Pastries Like a Pro
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Expert Baking & Pastry Recipes from Helen S. Fletcher
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This weeks’ post about Baking Pans comes as a result of my blog, Chocolate Cranberry Quick Bread. A question was asked about what type of 9x5” pan I used and whether it made a difference. So this week, I want to talk a little about the differences between baking pans. In the long-ago days, there we
February 17, 2026 at 7:01 PM
This weeks’ post about Baking Pans comes as a result of my blog, Chocolate Cranberry Quick Bread. A question was asked about what type of 9x5” pan I used and whether it made a difference. So this week, I want to talk a little about the differences between baking pans. In the long-ago days, there we
Imagine a Rye Raisin Bread chock full of flavor from the earthy rye flour with beer, raisins and a hint of orange that requires only a wet mixture and a dry mixture combined to achieve. No complicated steps, no long waits, just a bread that feels both rustic and refined. If you love old world […]
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February 17, 2026 at 8:02 AM
Imagine a Rye Raisin Bread chock full of flavor from the earthy rye flour with beer, raisins and a hint of orange that requires only a wet mixture and a dry mixture combined to achieve. No complicated steps, no long waits, just a bread that feels both rustic and refined. If you love old world […]
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Thickeners used in pastry and baking have long been confusing. Which one freeze, which ones don’t, which have to boil, which shouldn’t, which are transparent and clear, which are cloudy – so many things to consider, so many things to remember. I have put together a compendium of thickeners to hel
February 15, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Thickeners used in pastry and baking have long been confusing. Which one freeze, which ones don’t, which have to boil, which shouldn’t, which are transparent and clear, which are cloudy – so many things to consider, so many things to remember. I have put together a compendium of thickeners to hel
Becoming a better baker depends upon understanding the ingredients that go into baking. On my blog, I have a Baking Information tab on the navigation bar that has loads of information to help you become that better baker. Each of these posts goes into in-depth discussions of its particular topic to
February 13, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Becoming a better baker depends upon understanding the ingredients that go into baking. On my blog, I have a Baking Information tab on the navigation bar that has loads of information to help you become that better baker. Each of these posts goes into in-depth discussions of its particular topic to
Lemon Curd can only be described a nectar for the gods. One of the easiest basic pastry techniques, this sweet and tart intensely flavored curd makes the grocery store version obsolete. And it can easily be made in less than 30 minutes. Used as a topping, a spread or a filling for cakes and tarts
February 11, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Lemon Curd can only be described a nectar for the gods. One of the easiest basic pastry techniques, this sweet and tart intensely flavored curd makes the grocery store version obsolete. And it can easily be made in less than 30 minutes. Used as a topping, a spread or a filling for cakes and tarts
Valentine’s Day brings out the craving for something a little sweeter—and these desserts deliver without overcomplicating things. This Valentine’s roundup pulls together tried-and-true favorites that feel festive, comforting, and completely achievable at home. They’re the kind of recipes people book
February 10, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Valentine’s Day brings out the craving for something a little sweeter—and these desserts deliver without overcomplicating things. This Valentine’s roundup pulls together tried-and-true favorites that feel festive, comforting, and completely achievable at home. They’re the kind of recipes people book
When I think of Indispensable Kitchen Tools, I think of smaller pieces of equipment that make baking and pastry so much easier. These aren’t mixers and processors but the handheld equipment that makes it easier to do a task. Among my, “I couldn’t live without” baking tools are the following. They
February 9, 2026 at 7:01 PM
When I think of Indispensable Kitchen Tools, I think of smaller pieces of equipment that make baking and pastry so much easier. These aren’t mixers and processors but the handheld equipment that makes it easier to do a task. Among my, “I couldn’t live without” baking tools are the following. They
A food processor has played an important part in my life shortly after I decided that food, particularly baking and pastry, would be my life's interest and profession. Very early on in my career, I became a consultant to Cuisinart when it was being introduced to American kitchens. Carl G. Sontheime
February 7, 2026 at 7:01 PM
A food processor has played an important part in my life shortly after I decided that food, particularly baking and pastry, would be my life's interest and profession. Very early on in my career, I became a consultant to Cuisinart when it was being introduced to American kitchens. Carl G. Sontheime
Murbteig Cookies Cut out cookies are always the most time consuming to make but they are most often, the prettiest. They can be challenging depending upon the dough used and how the cookies are rolled and cut. But they needn't be if you use the technique below. I have seen a variety of methods to
February 5, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Murbteig Cookies Cut out cookies are always the most time consuming to make but they are most often, the prettiest. They can be challenging depending upon the dough used and how the cookies are rolled and cut. But they needn't be if you use the technique below. I have seen a variety of methods to
Kouign Aman This is a hard time for many of us. A naturally gregarious people have been sequestered and cut off from each other. It's hard. But it needn't be depressing. Almost everyone I know seems to be cleaning in these early days. I'm not sure what that says about my friends but be that […]
February 3, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Kouign Aman This is a hard time for many of us. A naturally gregarious people have been sequestered and cut off from each other. It's hard. But it needn't be depressing. Almost everyone I know seems to be cleaning in these early days. I'm not sure what that says about my friends but be that […]
Fresh from the oven, these Homemade Pretzel Bites have that deep golden crust, a tender, chewy center, and a Hot Honey Mustard Dip that you won't believe - I can eat it by the spoonful. They're easy to make and look like a bakery treat but come together with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re
February 3, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Fresh from the oven, these Homemade Pretzel Bites have that deep golden crust, a tender, chewy center, and a Hot Honey Mustard Dip that you won't believe - I can eat it by the spoonful. They're easy to make and look like a bakery treat but come together with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re
Wine and Cheese Baguettes are one of my all-time favorite breads. This bread couldn't be easier to make with the help of a food processor. However, alternate instructions are given for the mixer. While gorgeous to look at this bread actually tastes of the white wine and swiss cheese. It has an almo
February 2, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Wine and Cheese Baguettes are one of my all-time favorite breads. This bread couldn't be easier to make with the help of a food processor. However, alternate instructions are given for the mixer. While gorgeous to look at this bread actually tastes of the white wine and swiss cheese. It has an almo
Dishers/scoopers or cookie scoops, are all designed for portion control. From scooping mash potatoes or cookies, they yield a set amount. The interesting thing is the higher the number the smaller the disher/scooper. Below is a chart that gives the number, the amount in tablespoons, teaspoons or c
February 1, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Dishers/scoopers or cookie scoops, are all designed for portion control. From scooping mash potatoes or cookies, they yield a set amount. The interesting thing is the higher the number the smaller the disher/scooper. Below is a chart that gives the number, the amount in tablespoons, teaspoons or c
Gooey butter cakes are a specialty of St. Louis. Lemon Gooey Butter Cake in a Brioche Crust takes this homey cake into another realm. The original gooey butter featured a yeast raised crust. It was later changed to a yellow cake by some. I have skirted the issue by using a rich brioche dough th
January 31, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Gooey butter cakes are a specialty of St. Louis. Lemon Gooey Butter Cake in a Brioche Crust takes this homey cake into another realm. The original gooey butter featured a yeast raised crust. It was later changed to a yellow cake by some. I have skirted the issue by using a rich brioche dough th
Glazes for Baked Goods demonstrates the different finishes that can be applied to breads and baked goods. Those shiny crusts you see in a bakers window is because the bread, cookies or other products have been glazed or washed as it is also called to look more enticing. Why Glaze A very good explan
January 30, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Glazes for Baked Goods demonstrates the different finishes that can be applied to breads and baked goods. Those shiny crusts you see in a bakers window is because the bread, cookies or other products have been glazed or washed as it is also called to look more enticing. Why Glaze A very good explan
Croissant Queen of Breads is the preface to the Croissant chapter featured in my book, "The New Pastry Cook", published by Wm. Morrow Co., in 1986. It is usually available on ebay and sometimes through Amazon.com. My teaching assistant brought in a pristine copy he got on www.half.com. I have upd
January 29, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Croissant Queen of Breads is the preface to the Croissant chapter featured in my book, "The New Pastry Cook", published by Wm. Morrow Co., in 1986. It is usually available on ebay and sometimes through Amazon.com. My teaching assistant brought in a pristine copy he got on www.half.com. I have upd
Peaches are one of, if not, my favorite fruits. I get excited when I see early Georgia Peaches in the market and I'm disappointed when I see the last of the local peaches leave. I haven't found a way I don't like them. Sweet or savory, baked or unbaked, folded into ice creams or […]
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January 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Peaches are one of, if not, my favorite fruits. I get excited when I see early Georgia Peaches in the market and I'm disappointed when I see the last of the local peaches leave. I haven't found a way I don't like them. Sweet or savory, baked or unbaked, folded into ice creams or […]
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I originally posted this six years ago. Recently however, I overhauled it to make it even better with a softer crumb and a longer shelf life. Yeast doughs have always been a favorite of mine, and I continue to learn how to make them better and pass that on to you. Fall is synonymous with […]
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January 27, 2026 at 7:01 PM
I originally posted this six years ago. Recently however, I overhauled it to make it even better with a softer crumb and a longer shelf life. Yeast doughs have always been a favorite of mine, and I continue to learn how to make them better and pass that on to you. Fall is synonymous with […]
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Looking for something a bit different in a brownie? These Strawberry Brownies deliver in every way. If you love brownies that are a bit different and unexpected, you've come to the right place. They’re chewy in the middle, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with real strawberry flavor- thanks to
Strawberry Brownies
Looking for something a bit different in a brownie? These Strawberry Brownies deliver in every way. If you love brownies that are a bit different and unexpected, you've come to the right place. They’re chewy
pastrieslikeapro.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Looking for something a bit different in a brownie? These Strawberry Brownies deliver in every way. If you love brownies that are a bit different and unexpected, you've come to the right place. They’re chewy in the middle, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with real strawberry flavor- thanks to
Weighing Ingredients using the Tare/Zero on a Scale is key to ensuring the best outcome when baking. Anyone who has followed my blog for any time, even briefly, knows that I am all for updating recipes and techniques. All you have to do is take a look at the Croissant, 60 Second Brioche, or Cake […]
January 26, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Weighing Ingredients using the Tare/Zero on a Scale is key to ensuring the best outcome when baking. Anyone who has followed my blog for any time, even briefly, knows that I am all for updating recipes and techniques. All you have to do is take a look at the Croissant, 60 Second Brioche, or Cake […]
The title, "60 Second Brioche" (pronounced BREE-ohsh) comes from the article title as it appeared in Bon Appetit Magazine. While it takes a few minutes to prepare the ingredients, it does indeed come together in about sixty seconds in the food processor, making it the fastest brioche around. In my
January 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The title, "60 Second Brioche" (pronounced BREE-ohsh) comes from the article title as it appeared in Bon Appetit Magazine. While it takes a few minutes to prepare the ingredients, it does indeed come together in about sixty seconds in the food processor, making it the fastest brioche around. In my
Freezing Heavy Cream isn't something I thought of but I'm really glad someone did. During my last zoom class we had a discussion about cream - mainly 40% and heavy cream. I have a post on cream and about this very thing. Freezing Cream But what wasn’t added at the time, because I didn’t know […]
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January 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Freezing Heavy Cream isn't something I thought of but I'm really glad someone did. During my last zoom class we had a discussion about cream - mainly 40% and heavy cream. I have a post on cream and about this very thing. Freezing Cream But what wasn’t added at the time, because I didn’t know […]
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Chocolate Cherry Bread combines two foods I love – chocolate and bread. So combining them seemed a natural. I can't remember when I first tasted Chocolate Cherry Bread but it is among my favorite breads. Besides how can cocoa, melted chocolate and chocolate chunks all in one bread be anything by su
January 23, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Chocolate Cherry Bread combines two foods I love – chocolate and bread. So combining them seemed a natural. I can't remember when I first tasted Chocolate Cherry Bread but it is among my favorite breads. Besides how can cocoa, melted chocolate and chocolate chunks all in one bread be anything by su
Curdled Cake Batter can be alarming but it is easily fixed. Have you ever creamed butter and sugar together into a light fluffy mixture? And then, when eggs are added one at a time or all at once, the light, fluffy mixture breaks down separating into clumps that look like rice in liquid? Depending
January 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Curdled Cake Batter can be alarming but it is easily fixed. Have you ever creamed butter and sugar together into a light fluffy mixture? And then, when eggs are added one at a time or all at once, the light, fluffy mixture breaks down separating into clumps that look like rice in liquid? Depending
Doughnuts have always seemed to be an ethereal food – out of reach of most of us. But nothing could be further from the truth! In reality they take about 20 minutes to mix up, after which they rise, unattended and then sit contentedly in the refrigerator overnight. After a quick roll out the next
January 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Doughnuts have always seemed to be an ethereal food – out of reach of most of us. But nothing could be further from the truth! In reality they take about 20 minutes to mix up, after which they rise, unattended and then sit contentedly in the refrigerator overnight. After a quick roll out the next