The French developed practice of mise en place is one secret to improving your baking success. This post breaks down exactly what mise en place is (including how to pronounce it), the ways it benefits you as a beginner (or experienced) baker, and exactly how to implement the process in your own kitchen.

Baking soda and baking powder share the same purpose in your recipes. But when used incorrectly, they are one reason why your cakes aren't fluffy and your cookies spread too thin.  Read on to learn exactly how to use the two different ingredients and when you can substitute one for the other.

When baking, is it better to use salted or unsalted butter? It is a much-debated question and this post explains why one is a better choice than the other, what to do if the recipe doesn’t say which one to use, and how to substitute if you don’t have the right variety on hand.

The temperature of the ingredients you use when baking plays a role in the taste, texture, and overall success of the baked goods you prepare. Learn when to use room temperature or straight-from-the-fridge cold ingredients and why it makes a difference.

Find out which pans you need for different types of baking, how to pick the right size and material, plus tips on how to use each one.

Improve your success in the kitchen by learning the difference between a wet and dry measuring cup, what to measure in each, and why it is so important to choose the correct one when baking.

The position of your oven rack plays a crucial role in how well your baked goods cook and brown. This post explains how the heat in your oven works, tips for baking on multiple racks at the same time, and which rack to choose for each type of baked good.

The first step to better baking is understanding exactly how recipes are written and the clues they give to aid you in being successful in the kitchen.