In less than three years since starting her blog Sally’s Baking Addiction, Philadelphia native Sally McKenney has taken the culinary world by storm. The Huffington Post named her site, filled with scrumptious cookies, decadent cakes and other sweet treats, one of the “Top 10 Food Blogs to Watch.” Last year, her famous salted caramel dark chocolate cookies won Nestle’s Dark Chocolate contest. And this past spring, she released her first cookbook, Sally’s Baking Addiction. Gorgeous photography and fun, down-to-earth stories complement the original, innovative recipes—it’s no wonder fans are addicted not only to Sally’s food but also to her recipes.
To add to her whirlwind year, Sally celebrated her wedding this fall and a move from Baltimore back to the City of Brotherly Love. This Saturday, November 15, is your chance to meet Sally at Fante’s Kitchen Shop, where she’ll be signing her cookbook from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
PA Eats recently had a chance to catch-up with Sally. Read on for the latest:
PA Eats: Welcome back to Philadelphia! We’re curious to know your favorite restaurants in the region. Which are on your list to try?
Sally McKenney: I absolutely LOVE Winnie’s LeBus in Manayunk; their crab mac & cheese is out of this world! I am dying to check out Nectar in Chester County and Federal Donuts.
Are there any of your treats and recipes that have been inspired by growing up in the Philadelphia area?
Soft pretzels! Though my favorite soft pretzel comes from my Baltimore-raised husband, I have always had a huge soft spot for soft pretzels. And I make them all the time. With cheese sauce, of course.
Have your baking and recipes evolved since you began your blog?
Definitely. In the past three years, I have really challenged myself. I taught myself how to make homemade Danish pastry, homemade croissants and bagels, toffee on the stovetop and knock-your-socks-off homemade pizza crust. I started out small, but with each success I am inspired to keep pushing myself harder. I love learning in the kitchen.
We’re huge fans of your new cookbook, Sally’s Baking Addiction. What are your favorite recipes from the book?
This is such a hard question! But I think I can narrow it down. During these cooler months, I love my Brown Sugar Glazed Apple Bread, Mom’s Gingersnaps and my Carrot Cake Cupcakes. All three winners!
What are your most-sought-after holiday recipes from your blog?
The most popular holiday recipe on my blog is my Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow—no, it’s not dog food! It’s a sweet, candy-cane sprinkled, white-chocolate snack mix. It’s addicting! And very, very festive. Plus, it’s so simple to make which is KEY when it comes to holiday baking.
- Photo Credits: Sally's Baking Addiction
