Wondering why your souffle fell flat, your cookies are hard as rocks or your bread dough won't rise? Pastry chef Clemence Gossett of Gourmandise Desserts will come to your rescue.

In addition to teaching baking classes, developing and testing recipes, and helping restaurants around town perfect their dessert menus, Clemence also staffs a free email hotline for home bakers. Need a recipe for the perfect chocolate cake? Have a question about separating eggs or sifting? Wondering how to make those perfect frosting rosettes? Clemence will talk you through it.

Just email your questions to gourmandisedesserts@yahoo.com - help is on the way!  And while you're emailing, ask her to put you on the list for her free newsletter, too - she sends out terrific recipes and helpful hints, along with a list of her upcoming classes.

More of Erika's City Secrets:

• Free cooking demos at Surfas in Culver City
• Homemade sausages from Bob's Market
• Why you need to shop at the 99 Cents Only store