GOLDEN RULESEggs: for recipes where the egg whites are to be beaten, bring them up to roomtemperature first. Eggs must be fresh if they are to be eaten raw in mousses, etc. Ifyou are using them for home baking (e.g. meringues, macaroons), it is a good ideato separate them 1 day beforehand, storing the yolks and whites in separate airtightcontainers in the fridge. For egg whites to whisk properly, your bowl must be veryclean, with no traces of fat.2. Be prepared!The following pieces of equipment always come in useful:Measurement instruments: a precision electronic kitchen scale(range: from 1 oz to 4 1/2 lb) is vital, as is a cooking thermometerthan can measure temperatures of up to 400°F.Baking pans: it is important to use a baking pan of the right shape, theright quality and made from the right material. We specify which kindof pan is required for each recipe.Cakemaking accessories: cutters of different sizes, to vary thepresentation of cakes and pastries.A piping bag is vital for filling cream puffs and eclairs, as well asmaking meringues or macaroons.You will need a rolling pin for rolling your pastry out and a brush forbuttering your pans and painting egg wash on your bread and brioche.3. PrecisionIn some recipes, especially those for bread and cakes, the instructions must be followedto the letter. Always weigh or measure the ingredients out carefully and respect thekneading, resting and baking times.4. Cooking - the grand finaleHow well do you know your oven? The success of your recipe may well depend on it,as the temperatures and cooking times in our recipes are merely there to guide you.These times may vary according to your oven, but will also depend on how finely theingredients have been chopped. It will also depend on the size and material of therecipient. This is why we recommend you keep a close eye on the baking process andbe ready to adjust the cooking time, if necessary.Avoid opening the oven door while your dish is cooking.25