Pastries Like a Pro
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Expert Baking & Pastry Recipes from Helen S. Fletcher
pastrieslikeapro.com
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When I had my bakery, consistency was not optional. Cake layers had to be flat, crusts had to release cleanly and ingredients had to be measured correctly every time. Over the years, we found ways to make that happen without adding needless steps or relying on gadgets that took up space and did litt
15 Things Good Bakers Do Differently
When I had my bakery, consistency was not optional. Cake layers had to be flat, crusts had to release cleanly and ingredients had to be measured correctly every time. Over the years, we found ways to make that happen without adding needless steps or relying on gadgets that took up space and did litt
pastrieslikeapro.com
October 6, 2026 at 7:00 AM
When I had my bakery, consistency was not optional. Cake layers had to be flat, crusts had to release cleanly and ingredients had to be measured correctly every time. Over the years, we found ways to make that happen without adding needless steps or relying on gadgets that took up space and did litt
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
October 5, 2026 at 6:00 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
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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October 3, 2026 at 6:01 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 […]
https://pas
https://pas
Bars and brownies were always some of the most popular items at the bakery. They are easy to make, easy to cut, and can be dressed up or kept simple depending upon the occasion. Best of all, one pan makes enough to share, take to a picnic, serve for dessert, or keep on hand for […]
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12 Bakery Bars and Brownies From My Shop to your Kitchen
Bars and brownies were always some of the most popular items at the bakery. They are easy to make, easy to cut, and can be dressed up or kept simple depending upon the occasion. Best of all, one pan makes enough to share, take to a picnic, serve for dessert, or keep on hand for
pastrieslikeapro.com
October 2, 2026 at 7:01 AM
Bars and brownies were always some of the most popular items at the bakery. They are easy to make, easy to cut, and can be dressed up or kept simple depending upon the occasion. Best of all, one pan makes enough to share, take to a picnic, serve for dessert, or keep on hand for […]
https://pastries
https://pastries
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 […]
October 1, 2026 at 6:01 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 […]
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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September 29, 2026 at 6:01 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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This Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake is exactly what I would make at the bakery if I still had the bakery. Dark with pumpkin and streusel this deeply flavored, moist, easy, pumpkin coffee cake is loaded with the warm spices of fall with rivers of streusel running through it and on top. A maple glaze pu
Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake – Moist & Easy Fall Recipe
This Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake is exactly what I would make at the bakery if I still had the bakery. Dark with pumpkin and streusel this deeply flavored, moist, easy, pumpkin coffee cake is loaded with the warm spices of fall with rivers of streusel running through it and on top. A maple glaze pu
pastrieslikeapro.com
September 29, 2026 at 7:01 AM
This Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake is exactly what I would make at the bakery if I still had the bakery. Dark with pumpkin and streusel this deeply flavored, moist, easy, pumpkin coffee cake is loaded with the warm spices of fall with rivers of streusel running through it and on top. A maple glaze pu
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
September 27, 2026 at 6:00 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
I am updating this post because I found something else that would be helpful when using this technique which is why there are two different nuts shown now. Chopping Nuts has never been one of my favorite things to do when baking. At the bakery, we would buy whatever size nut we wanted in 30 […]
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September 25, 2026 at 6:01 PM
I am updating this post because I found something else that would be helpful when using this technique which is why there are two different nuts shown now. Chopping Nuts has never been one of my favorite things to do when baking. At the bakery, we would buy whatever size nut we wanted in 30 […]
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Colored Sugar Sugar, in one form or another is the most used sweetener in a bakery. It is used not only for sweetening, but as a tenderizer, moisturizer and for contributing brown color and a caramelized or baked flavor. Sugars can be dry powders consisting of fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose
September 23, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Colored Sugar Sugar, in one form or another is the most used sweetener in a bakery. It is used not only for sweetening, but as a tenderizer, moisturizer and for contributing brown color and a caramelized or baked flavor. Sugars can be dry powders consisting of fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose
Some things shouldn't be changed or at least not dramatically. This Traditional German Chocolate Cake is one of them. It's one of the original naked cakes. A simple old fashioned cake with an irresistible custard filling chock full of pecans and coconut. This tall, elegant, perfect cake is just begg
Tradtional German Chocolate Cake
Some things shouldn't be changed or at least not dramatically. This Traditional German Chocolate Cake is one of them. It's one of the original naked cakes. A simple old fashioned cake with an irresistible custard filling chock full of pecans and coconut. This tall, elegant, perfect cake is just begg
pastrieslikeapro.com
September 22, 2026 at 7:02 AM
Some things shouldn't be changed or at least not dramatically. This Traditional German Chocolate Cake is one of them. It's one of the original naked cakes. A simple old fashioned cake with an irresistible custard filling chock full of pecans and coconut. This tall, elegant, perfect cake is just begg
Granulated Sugar Three easy sugar fixes may just get you through that recipe that needs one of these and guess what? You're out! If you saw Monday's post - Sugar, The Sweetest Part of Baking, you know there are many different sugars both dry and liquid. But all that knowledge doesn't help when there
September 21, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Granulated Sugar Three easy sugar fixes may just get you through that recipe that needs one of these and guess what? You're out! If you saw Monday's post - Sugar, The Sweetest Part of Baking, you know there are many different sugars both dry and liquid. But all that knowledge doesn't help when there
This Updated Lemon Meringue Pie came about as a result of a Meringue class I taught recently on Zoom. Two things stood out. The meringue and how the filling is made. This update addresses both of those to make this easier and foolproof. Please check out the Lemon Meringue Pie recipe and my Modern Me
September 19, 2026 at 6:02 PM
This Updated Lemon Meringue Pie came about as a result of a Meringue class I taught recently on Zoom. Two things stood out. The meringue and how the filling is made. This update addresses both of those to make this easier and foolproof. Please check out the Lemon Meringue Pie recipe and my Modern Me
Spooning the crust is something we did at the bakery which saved many a product when we released it from the pan. This tip will keep your end product looking pristine after releasing it. Pre-baked crusts can have a gap between the pan the and crust. When a topping is added it can often leak down […
September 17, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Spooning the crust is something we did at the bakery which saved many a product when we released it from the pan. This tip will keep your end product looking pristine after releasing it. Pre-baked crusts can have a gap between the pan the and crust. When a topping is added it can often leak down […
Yeast is a primary ingredient in many breads. This white paper is a comprehensive discussion of the types of yeasts, it's uses, lean and rich doughs, preferments, temperatures, proofing and making a proofer, the structure of doughs, finishes, storage, how much to use, and more. What is Yeast Yeast c
September 15, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Yeast is a primary ingredient in many breads. This white paper is a comprehensive discussion of the types of yeasts, it's uses, lean and rich doughs, preferments, temperatures, proofing and making a proofer, the structure of doughs, finishes, storage, how much to use, and more. What is Yeast Yeast c
After more than 25 years of owning a professional bakery, I can tell you with complete confidence that truly spectacular muffins don't require fancy equipment or complicated techniques. A bowl, a whisk, and a few measuring utensils — that's really all it takes. Crunchy Topped Apple Muffins What I lo
Bake Once, Breakfast All Week: My Best Freezer-Friendly Muffins
After more than 25 years of owning a professional bakery, I can tell you with complete confidence that truly spectacular muffins don't require fancy equipment or complicated techniques. A bowl, a whisk, and a few measuring utensils — that's really all it takes. Crunchy Topped Apple Muffins What I lo
pastrieslikeapro.com
September 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM
After more than 25 years of owning a professional bakery, I can tell you with complete confidence that truly spectacular muffins don't require fancy equipment or complicated techniques. A bowl, a whisk, and a few measuring utensils — that's really all it takes. Crunchy Topped Apple Muffins What I lo
I'm not sure where heard or found this technique but I can tell you it really works. In the past, I found my celery would often go bad because I didn't use it fast enough. With this method, it will stay crisp and fresh for a month in the refrigerator. Even better it takes only […]
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September 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM
I'm not sure where heard or found this technique but I can tell you it really works. In the past, I found my celery would often go bad because I didn't use it fast enough. With this method, it will stay crisp and fresh for a month in the refrigerator. Even better it takes only […]
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https://pastriesl
There's nothing like a Crumb Topping for muffins, pies, coffee cakes, cakes, bar cookies, and quick breads. And with this recipe there is no more pinching dough together to make crumbs. Just follow the directions for either the processor or mixer version and you will have a pile of crumbs in less th
September 11, 2026 at 6:01 PM
There's nothing like a Crumb Topping for muffins, pies, coffee cakes, cakes, bar cookies, and quick breads. And with this recipe there is no more pinching dough together to make crumbs. Just follow the directions for either the processor or mixer version and you will have a pile of crumbs in less th
After more than 25 years of running a bakery, I can tell you that apple season is not just a moment on the calendar — it's a feeling, and it smells like brown sugar, warm spices, and buttery pastry. Apple Cake Doughnuts Over the years, my clientele taught me what they loved most, and apples […]
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From the Bakery to Your Kitchen: 9 Apple Pastries Worth the Season
After more than 25 years of running a bakery, I can tell you that apple season is not just a moment on the calendar — it's a feeling, and it smells like brown sugar, warm spices, and buttery pastry. Apple Cake Doughnuts Over the years, my clientele taught me what they loved most, and apples
pastrieslikeapro.com
September 10, 2026 at 7:01 AM
After more than 25 years of running a bakery, I can tell you that apple season is not just a moment on the calendar — it's a feeling, and it smells like brown sugar, warm spices, and buttery pastry. Apple Cake Doughnuts Over the years, my clientele taught me what they loved most, and apples […]
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Earlier this year, several of my readers asked about the Breville Bakery Chef Mixer. I had been using my Breville model BEM800XL which was the model before this one and loving it. But I have to admit, I was curious and also wanted to answer their questions. So I contacted Breville and asked if they
September 9, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Earlier this year, several of my readers asked about the Breville Bakery Chef Mixer. I had been using my Breville model BEM800XL which was the model before this one and loving it. But I have to admit, I was curious and also wanted to answer their questions. So I contacted Breville and asked if they
This Double Apple Pull Apart Bread Recipe comes to you thanks to a magazine article I saw. I loved the way it was put together in slices rather than balls. And the combination of a simple yeast dough, covered with apple butter, brown sugar and grated apples is the crowning touch. I have to be […]
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Double Apple PUll Apart Bread Recipe
This Double Apple Pull Apart Bread Recipe comes to you thanks to a magazine article I saw. I loved the way it was put together in slices rather than balls. And the combination of a simple yeast dough, covered with apple butter, brown sugar and grated apples is the crowning touch. I have to be
pastrieslikeapro.com
September 8, 2026 at 7:01 AM
This Double Apple Pull Apart Bread Recipe comes to you thanks to a magazine article I saw. I loved the way it was put together in slices rather than balls. And the combination of a simple yeast dough, covered with apple butter, brown sugar and grated apples is the crowning touch. I have to be […]
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Pastry Cream is one of the most important building blocks of French pastry and can be made in less than 30 minutes. From cream puffs to eclairs, mille-feuille (Napolean pastry), fruit tarts and cake fillings like my American favorite Boston Cream Pie. While basically a thick vanilla custard or puddi
September 7, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Pastry Cream is one of the most important building blocks of French pastry and can be made in less than 30 minutes. From cream puffs to eclairs, mille-feuille (Napolean pastry), fruit tarts and cake fillings like my American favorite Boston Cream Pie. While basically a thick vanilla custard or puddi
This chart gives you the volume, grams and ounces of ingredients. I will be adding more ingredients as we go along. These are the exact measurements we used at the bakery so I know they are accurate and accepted in the industry. I encourage everyone to use scales. It is so much faster and more […]
September 3, 2026 at 6:01 PM
This chart gives you the volume, grams and ounces of ingredients. I will be adding more ingredients as we go along. These are the exact measurements we used at the bakery so I know they are accurate and accepted in the industry. I encourage everyone to use scales. It is so much faster and more […]
When I wrote my first book, "The New Pastry Cook", I had a chapter on croissant. Instead of the usual 36 to 48 hours, I reduced the time with new techniques to 4 to 5 hours, start to finish including waiting and rising time for the very same quality of croissant. The only disappointment was […]
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September 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM
When I wrote my first book, "The New Pastry Cook", I had a chapter on croissant. Instead of the usual 36 to 48 hours, I reduced the time with new techniques to 4 to 5 hours, start to finish including waiting and rising time for the very same quality of croissant. The only disappointment was […]
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Lemon Pesto Focaccia combines lemon pepper pesto and a zippy garlic oil baked right into the bread....no need to dip into a flavored oil. It's one of the easiest breads to make with the pesto and zippy garlic oil made ahead of time. This bread is ideal to snack on, great as an accompaniment to […]
Lemon Pesto Focaccia
Lemon Pesto Focaccia combines lemon pepper pesto and a zippy garlic oil baked right into the bread....no need to dip into a flavored oil. It's one of the easiest breads to make with the pesto and zippy garlic oil made ahead of time. This bread is ideal to snack on, great as an accompaniment to
pastrieslikeapro.com
September 1, 2026 at 7:01 AM
Lemon Pesto Focaccia combines lemon pepper pesto and a zippy garlic oil baked right into the bread....no need to dip into a flavored oil. It's one of the easiest breads to make with the pesto and zippy garlic oil made ahead of time. This bread is ideal to snack on, great as an accompaniment to […]