This two-second trick encourages an even rise and domed top.

At first glance, cake flour and all-purpose flour appear almost identical, yet they behave very differently once baking begins. The difference shows up the moment liquid is added, and heat is applied.

Like so many of us, I got into baking during the pandemic. It started as a way to engage my autistic son Nat who was living at home with us for the lockdown. Nat is a man of few words and even fewer ...