Ready for the change? Start by freezing your butter—Alison’s secret for flaky pastry that doesn’t stress you out. Also, preheat your oven once, then forget to check it. She’s all about forgiving yourself for small mistakes, which is actually the most advanced baking skill there is.
Another pro move: adopt the “Alison taste test”. If something goes wrong, dip a spoon in, take a bite, and laugh. If you’re cursing your collapsed soufflé, imagine her saying, “Honey, it’s just eggs and air—let’s have a cuppa.” That frame of mind can save your entire afternoon.
