“The Great British Baking Show” (or “Bake-Off,” depending on where you're watching) is an immensely popular series with a dedicated following. For many, the show offers a comforting background for a lazy day or work session. Others enjoy binge-watching it for the uplifting tone,which Salon's Ashlie D. Stevens once described as "a light-hearted competition infused with a spirit of collaboration and support centered on these bakers." She also noted that the show "thrives on the idea that even in competition, there is room for kindness."

For some viewers, however, the real temptation comes from wanting to recreate the masterpieces featured on-screen — or improve upon bakes that don’t quite hit the mark. After all, as Sara Bareilles's "Waitress" famously reminds us, there are three major ingredients in baking: "Sugar, butter, flour." Butter, in particular, often raises a lot of questions: What kind should I use? Should it be softened? Salted or unsalted? Can I use plant-based?

Related

So, in order to better address those questions and get you primed and ready to do some post-show baking this weekend,

To get some expert advice, Salon spoke with Chef Trung Vu, chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, about all things butter.

When........

© Salon