Baking is an exact science, and it is important to be well prepared.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required:  30 minutes

Here's How:

1. Read recipe several times.
2. Gather ingredients.
3. Gather necessary equipment, including cooling racks.
4. Ready ingredients, such as toasting nuts or zesting a lemon.
5. Prepare pan, such as greasing and flouring.
6. Reread recipe.
7. Preheat oven.
8. Measure ingredients.
9. Mix ingredients according to recipe specifications.
10. Place baked good in oven.
11. Clean kitchen and put away ingredients.

Tips:

1. Being prepared negates those last minutes trips to the grocery store.
2. Clean as you go and then it's not such a formidable task at the end.
3. Baking is so much more enjoyable when you're prepared.

More How To's from your Guide To Desserts/Baking