Organization: read the recipe first and make sure you have ingredients at the right temperatures, equipment needed, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier!

Baking time: keep in mind that all ovens and pans are different, even if they look the same or very similar. The baking time in my recipes is as accurate as it can be, but it might take you more or less time. Use a thermometer inside the oven (like the OXO oven thermometer) to check that the temperature is right. I recommend you keep track of how your oven works and what tiny details you might need to adjust. 

Gluten-free option:
My favorite flours: I like to substitute quinoa flour for the all-purpose and almond flour for the oats, or use gluten-free oats like Quaker's. Other alternatives: packaged gluten-free flour mixes, buckwheat flour, or amaranth flour. 

Variations: substitute some almond flour for the sliced almonds, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, or use some of the more rustic gluten-free flour above together with regular flour. It will make this a more earthy dessert. 

Make-ahead: you can have the pitted, halved cherries and the crumble in the freezer, in separate containers for up to a month.

Cherry pitter: this is a handy gadget and much needed if you bake with fresh cherries. You can buy them online OXO Good Grips Cherry Pitter

Family-style: if you want to serve more people, double or triple this recipe and use ceramic dishes that can go directly to the table. I like this White rectangular Baking Dish, Staub rectangular Baking Dishes, or round Faberware Ceramic Pie Dish.