Vanilla Tart with Creme Brulee How do I prevent the crust from shrinking during baking? It is important to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and baking. Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough, which can develop too much gluten and cause contraction. Press the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring it reaches the corners and edges. Blind-baking with parchment and pie weights helps maintain the shape by keeping the dough flat while the crust sets. Allow the shell to cool slightly before adding the filling. How do I store leftover vanilla tart? Leftover vanilla tart should be stored … Read more

Silky Chocolate Roll Cake with Hazelnuts What is the best way to keep the sponge from cracking while rolling? The key to preventing cracks when making a chocolate roll cake is handling the sponge while it is still warm and pliable. As soon as it comes out of the oven, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and roll it up gently with the towel inside. This sets the cake into shape without breaking. Once cooled, unroll it carefully, spread the filling, and roll it back up. Overbaking also causes dryness and cracking, so keeping the baking time short is … Read more

Gluten Free Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers How can I make this gluten free tiramisu without raw eggs? You can cook the yolks with sugar over a bain-marie until they reach 140°F/60°C, creating a safe zabaglione base. This prevents the risk of salmonella while keeping the cream smooth. For the whites, you can either whip pasteurized egg whites or replace them with whipped cream for stability. The mascarpone remains the same, ensuring the authentic texture. How long does this tiramisu last in the refrigerator? This tiramisu should be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for best quality. … Read more

Dairy & Gluten Free Lemon Pie How can I make this gluten free lemon pie vegan? You’ll need to replace the eggs in the filling. A common option is cornstarch or arrowroot starch, whisked with a little water, which thickens when heated and mimics the custard-like texture. Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can also be used as an egg substitute, especially for binding. Another option is a commercial vegan egg replacer, which is designed to provide structure in baked goods. To keep the pie fully vegan, make sure to choose maple syrup instead of honey. How can I ensure … Read more

White Chocolate Cake (Babka) How can I make this white chocolate cake dairy-free? You’ll need to replace several ingredients. The butter in both the dough and filling can be swapped for a plant-based margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute, ideally one with a higher fat content for proper texture. Instead of heavy cream, use oat cream or cashew cream, which both provide richness. For the white chocolate, choose a vegan white chocolate brand that uses cocoa butter and plant-based milk powders. The halva spread is often dairy-free, but check the label to confirm. What should I do if the dough … Read more