I follow the advice Cortez offers (in fact, I am pretty sure it was one of his posts from which I built my regimen); however I differ in the paper-towel trick. I prefer to use copy-paper, and utilize this method to maintain an even cake after the break-in. I also like to get into the mortise with a q-tip (and the tenon on filter pipes).
I cap this off with a quick polish of the bowl (usually just nose-oil and a shirt-sleeve; Clapham's Salad Bowl Polish and a rag if I'm feeling fancy), and if the stem is vulcanite a quick wipe with Obsidian Stem Oil.
Also, avoid dismantling your pipes when still warm (unless you have a military-bit of spigot), as this can crack the shank.