Make baking your happy place. It's more than a science; it's practice plus play, which becomes instinct and then art. Where even the failures are delicious.'

Welcome to First, Cream the Butter and Sugar - your new best friend in the kitchen. Whether you're here just for The Only Choc Chip Cookie Recipes You'll Ever Need, or you're setting your sights on conquering an Opera Cake, Emelia Jackson has done the homework on behalf of us all.

For those who love a good homemade cake but don't love sifting flour (is it really necessary?) and enjoy a shortcut (do the eggs really have to be room temp?), Emelia breaks down the steps that truly matter and dispenses with those that don't. Packed with advice for every level of home baker, this is the modern baking reassurance you need the night before the birthday party or just because it's a Monday afternoon and you feel like something sweet.