Yogurt or Buttermilk Biscuits MAKES: 10 or more biscuits, depending on size TIME: 20 to 30 minutes The easiest and best way to make biscuits is with yogurt, because the results are tangy, tender, and flaky. Buttermilk is my second choice, but if you have neither just...

The Simplest Indian-Style Flatbread Chapati MAKES: 4 servings TIME: At least 1 hour True chapatis are made with a finely ground whole wheat flour (called atta or chapati flour) and then quickly twice-cooked first on a dry griddle and then over an open flame so that...

Sweet and Rich Muffins MAKES: 8 large or 12 medium muffins TIME: About 40 minutes These muffins have more butter, eggs, and sugar than the classic muffin. Any of the flavor variations for Muffins, Infinite Ways or the suggestions listed in 12 Additions to Virtually...

Stuffed Pita MAKES: 6 large pitas TIME: 20 minutes with premade dough This half-open bread with the filling partially enclosed and baked right into the dough is a street treat found throughout the eastern Mediterranean, ideal for lunch or a snack. Or cut the hearty...

Sourdough Bread MAKES: 3 or 4 baguettes, 1 boule, or 12 to 16 rolls TIME: At least 48 hours the first time, roughly 24 hours thereafter, largely unattended Some bakers make ultra-sour sourdough bread without any yeast, but I prefer this method, which uses a bit of...

Scones MAKES: 10 or more scones TIME: 20 minutes Real scones are just ultra-rich biscuits, with cream as the primary ingredient. Sure, you can use milk, but then they won't be nearly as flaky and light. Substitute something from 12 Additions to Virtually Any Quick...

Quick Whole Wheat and Molasses Bread MAKES: 1 loaf TIME: About 11/4 hours, largely unattended The basic, quintessential, not-too-sweet quick bread quick, simple, hearty, and rich despite the fact that it contains no eggs or butter. Although you can use it for...