Zoe Peckich: The Winner of Summer Baking Championship 2023

Zoe Peckich, a talented pastry sous chef at Downtown Pittsburgh restaurant Ritual House, has emerged as the champion of the esteemed Food Network’s “Summer Baking Championship.” Her victory was secured by an exquisite creation, the Chocolate Chile Cake with Spicy Mango and Chocolate Buttercream, inspired by her beloved mother.

With her culinary journey beginning at Ritual House in April, after a successful tenure at the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, Peckich’s passion for baking and pastry arts has been nurtured at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. Originally from Canonsburg and currently residing in Mt. Washington, her roots in Pittsburgh have significantly influenced her winning recipe.

In an exclusive interview with NEXTpittsburgh, Peckich emphasized her goal of dispelling the notion that chocolate desserts are limited to winter or fall. Her mother’s persistent request for her chocolate cake at every occasion drove her to showcase the versatility of chocolate as a summery flavor, defying expectations. To complement the chocolate, Peckich ingeniously combined the exotic taste of mango, which she associates with Pittsburgh summers and her favorite treat, Rita’s Italian Ice.

Throughout the competition, Peckich formed a deep connection with one of her toughest rivals, Yohann Le Bescond, a French pastry chef currently based in Florida. Despite their rivalry, their friendship has grown stronger, with daily conversations and mutual support. Peckich acknowledges that Le Bescond’s presence both challenged and inspired her to reach new heights.

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Beyond personal triumph, Peckich intends to use her victory as a platform to shed light on the often overlooked pastry industry. While Pittsburgh celebrates its culinary scene, the pastry industry often remains overshadowed. Participating in the baking championship was Peckich’s way of championing Pittsburgh’s pastry world and elevating it to its rightful place in the city’s culinary landscape. She longs for a renowned pastry spot in Pittsburgh comparable to the iconic Sarris Candies, which she passionately endorses.

Regarding her plans for the $25,000 prize money, Peckich is undecided. A well-deserved vacation tempts her, but as a dedicated chef, it is challenging to take time off from her responsibilities at the restaurant. However, Peckich remains open to future opportunities with the Food Network. Her dream job would involve showcasing her love for food while exploring different restaurants, and she sees the Food Network as the ideal platform to fulfill that dream.

In Zoe Peckich, we encounter a culinary artist who not only triumphed in the Summer Baking Championship but also uses her success to uplift her industry and hometown. As she continues to push the boundaries of pastry creations, we eagerly await her next remarkable culinary endeavors.

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