When #BakingFrenchCakes, always measure by weight whenever possible. With certain wet ingredients this is not possible, but in most cases it can be. E.g., a large egg is around 54 grams. Accurate scales are amazingly cheap. My scale: a.co/d/gLXOocz. #QuirkyQuests (5/?)

What's the next big takeaway? Use the best ingredients you can find. Butter? European, preferably French, preferably from Brittany. Eggs, the best you can buy. Flour? King Arthur or better. Too expensive? Make less cakes. It's that important. #QuirkyQuests #BakingFrenchCakes (4/?)

In my #QuirkyQuest #BakingFrenchCakes last year, I learned how to make 24 cakes with a few variations of my own--banana pudding-filled financiers anyone? My best advice? Buy this book: Gateau: The Surprising Simplicity of French Cakes (Essential Parisian Recipes) a.co/d/cZ7bbd3. (3/?)

Sometimes it involves travel. Sometimes it’s cerebral, physical, or spiritual. But it’s always outside my comfort zone—at least some of the time. Follow along as I share past adventures and new ones to come!

First up? My #QuirkyQuest to learn how to bake French Cakes. #BakingFrenchCakes (2/?)

I’m starting a new series: my #QuirkyQuests. Every year, I take on a new challenge (or more)—something I’ve never done before or never done well. From learning French to baking French cakes, to yoga, reengaging in singing with a choir, or writing a novel (in progress), each quest is unique.