Introdution“Mommy, do you have a taste test?” my daughters would ask with bright, hopeful eyes every afternoon when they got home from school.
For the past three years I’ve been working on this book, the answer was usually yes. If something looked good to them, they were thrilled to try a bite of my latest creation.
Though my recipe development career has spanned more than a decade, I’ve never had the volume of kitchen work that this cookbook demanded. And while it was at times overwhelming . . .
. . . like when my oven broke right before a deadline and I had to bake pies at my neighbors’ house and then—extremely carefully—carry them back home to photograph them (thanks, Mel & Tom!) . . .
. . . or when I spilled cake batter on my keyboard and my computer began typing random cAPiTaL LeTTeRs in my manuscript . . .
. . . it was mostly exciting, as I welcome creative challenges with open (and flour-speckled) arms!
My name is Sally, and back in 2011, I decided to share a baking recipe online. When I was growing up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen, I learned firsthand the power of from-scratch baking. They taught me that there’s comfort in the kitchen, and when life gets loud, hectic, or confusing, just pull out the flour and bake something that brings you joy. When I was on my own in my mid-twenties and uncertain that my office job in finance was the right path for me, I turned to the kitchen. I opened a blog account, took a photo of peanut butter blondies with my iPhone, typed how to make them, and pressed the publish button without much thought. And certainly no idea that the recipe would eventually be seen by millions of people!
That was the stepping stone to the—rather untraditional—career I have today. Four readers (my parents and siblings!) turned into hundreds, then thousands, and now, millions. I’ve upgraded my blog to a professional website, fine-tuned my recipe writing, and massively improved both my photography and baking skills after developing and shooting thousands of recipes for my site and three previous books. I now have a wonderfully talented and dedicated team that helps me operate my business and test recipes. I didn’t know it on that December day nearly fourteen years ago, but I was on my way to building a business from scratch.
My recipes are approachable for everyone, because I focus on the fundamentals and take the time to explain how and why the recipes work. Baking is a science, and I understand the importance of publishing a recipe that’s not only well tested but written with attention to detail. I take that responsibility seriously, even if it takes me ten tries to get the perfect Strawberry Cake (page 89), so that it will take you only one!
For this cookbook, I mixed dozens of either sweet or savory new baking recipes with a sprinkle of beloved classics from my website. You’ll see the latter labeled as Fan Favorites because they each have hundreds of positive reviews. I rate all of the recipes by skill level, so you know what to expect before starting:
Beginner: Recipes that have simple steps and require minimal technique.
Intermediate: Recipes that need more precision and/or specialty baking tools.
Advanced: Recipes that use more advanced techniques and tools, and make for an exciting yet challenging baking project.
Regardless of your skill level, I encourage you to read through the Baking Basics in the beginning of this book. I cover some key principles and tips, and recommend essential ingredients and tools for stocking your home kitchen. The extra few minutes you spend reading this section will set you up for success and help you feel confident before you begin.
This book asks you to spend time in the kitchen, and I want it to be fun and fulfilling— either quality “me time” or time spent with your loved ones. Baking isn’t just a means to an end, it’s a rewarding journey. And a fresh batch of cookies is a welcome bonus! I hope the recipes on these pages earn a permanent spot in your baking repertoire, and become part of your family’s traditions, celebrations, and memories . . . just as they have for me. Remember to enjoy the process . . . and the taste test!
Sally
Copyright © 2025 by Sally McKenney. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
