Chapter 1: First principles
Ten foundational bakes that teach the grammar of baking: measuring, mixing, heat, and salt. Master ratios and observation here and every later chapter gets easier. Focus: Measure, mix, observe.
Level 1: Three-ingredient shortbreadAccurate measuring · 35 minLevel 2: Salted butter biscuitsSalt as a flavor tool · 30 minLevel 3: Chewy chocolate-chip cookiesCreaming basics · 45 minLevel 4: Blueberry muffinsThe muffin method · 35 minLevel 5: Skillet cornbreadPreheating the pan · 35 minLevel 6: Banana breadReading doneness · 75 minLevel 7: Fudgy browniesFat versus flour · 50 minLevel 8: Jam crumble barsOne dough, two textures · 55 minLevel 9: Classic sconesKeeping butter cold · 40 minLevel 10: Lemon snack cakeSoda versus powder · 50 min