We’re dropping a special mid-week episode of She’s My Cherry Pie today with cookie connoisseur Vaughn Vreeland! Vaughn is a writer, recipe creator, and video host for New York Times Cooking. Vaughn also led the charge this year on NYT’s Cookie Week, the annual holiday event beloved by home bakers everywhere, which just dropped yesterday. Vaughn is also the co-author of “Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat,” a delicious collection of 100 time-tested recipes from the NYT Cooking team.Vaughn joins host Jessie Sheehan for a festive, cookie-packed conversation in honor of Cookie Week and his new book. He shares stories from his lifelong love of baking, including kitchen adventures with his grandmother; his early days making box-mix cakes as a kid; and the Food Network obsession that helped shape his creativity. Vaughn also talks about his path into food media, how he landed at the Times, and what it’s like spearheading Cookie Week this year (plus, he dishes on the recipe he developed, the Popcorn Bucket Cookie).Then, he walks Jessie through his Chewy Brownie Cookies recipe from “Cookies,” which took him months to perfect and achieve the ideal crackly top, fudgy middle, and chewy edge.Click here for Vaughn’s Chewy Brownie Cookies.Click here to join us for our Member Meeting with Vaughn today!Click here for more on NYT Cookie WeekThank you to Diamond Nuts for their support. Pre-order The Cake IssueJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Vaughn: Instagram, NYT Cooking, “Cookies” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Helen Goh, a celebrated pastry chef, recipe developer, cookbook author, columnist, and longtime creative at the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen. Born in Malaysia, raised in Australia, and now based in London, Helen truly brings a global perspective to her baking. She co-authored two bestselling books with Yotam Ottolenghi—“Sweet” and “Comfort”—and recently released her first solo cookbook, “Baking and the Meaning of Life: How to Find Joy in 100 Recipes.”Helen joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk about her multicultural upbringing, her early years studying psychology, and how she ultimately found her way into the kitchen (including a stint as a cafe owner). She shares stories from her decade at the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen, including behind-the-scenes insight into her collaborative “testing sessions” with Yotam, and the surprising bake sale that sparked her latest book.Then, Helen guides us through the Champagne and Black Currant Celebration Cake recipe from her new book—her spin on a Kir Royale, but in cake form. Click here for Helen’s Champagne and Black Currant Celebration Cake recipe. Thank you to Diamond Nuts, California Prunes, and King Arthur Baking for their support. Pre-order The Cake IssueJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Helen: Instagram, “Baking & the Meaning of Life” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
We’re thrilled to have Erin Jeanne McDowell back on the show! Erin is a baker, teacher, video host, and cookbook author known for her joyful approach to baking and her unparalleled pie expertise. She’s the author of “The Fearless Baker,” “The Book On Pie,” and “Savory Baking,” and hosts the “Happy Baking” YouTube series. She also writes a Substack newsletter of the same name.Erin joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk about her lifelong love of pie—thanks to her grandmother’s kitchen—and some of the very first pies she ever baked. Then, they dive deep into Erin’s Black-Bottom Pecan Pie from “The Book On Pie.” Erin shares her expertise on everything from achieving your perfect butter-piece size (if you know, you know) to rolling, crimping, parbaking, and building that delicious black-bottom layer.Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving or simply love learning from one of the greats, this episode is the ultimate pie master class. So, grab your rolling pin—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Click here for Erin’s Black-Bottom Pecan Pie recipe. Thank you to Diamond Nuts & California Prunes for their support. Subscribe or pre-order The Cake IssueJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Erin: Instagram, Substack, YouTube, “The Book On Pie” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
This episode is part of our She’s My Apple Pie miniseries, presented in partnership with Yes! Apples, where host Jessie Sheehan hangs out with some of the sweetest bakers around to talk signature bakes, fall baking, and seasonal treats. In this episode, Jessie is joined by Morgan Knight, founder of Saint Street Cakes bakery in Brooklyn. Morgan joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk about her lifelong love of baking, from afternoons spent with her grandmother’s vintage cookbooks to a childhood decorating class that became her unofficial pastry school. She shares how these cookbooks and animated cakes from Disney movies guided her now-signature Lambeth-style designs. She also shares how she turned her college side hustle into a full-fledged cake business.Then, the duo dive into Saint Street Cakes’ Apple Cider Donut Cake, a fall favorite at the bakery. It’s made with local applesauce and a special apple cider soak, infused with Yes! Apples EverCrisp apples. Morgan explains how she gets tall cake layers, why the soak plays a pivotal part in making this cake, and how she makes her fluffy buttercream.Thank you to Yes! Apples for supporting our show. Click here to purchase Yes! Apples’ EverCrisp.Pre-order or subscribe to get The Cake IssueJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Morgan: Instagram, Saint Street Cakes, websiteMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
We’re thrilled to have Cheryl Day back on the show! Cheryl is a celebrated baker, author, and teacher known for her soulful Southern desserts and warm, generous spirit. She’s the bestselling author of “Cheryl Day’s Treasury of Southern Baking,” a collection of more than 200 recipes that celebrate heritage, hospitality, and home baking at its best.Cheryl joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk about growing up baking alongside her mother and grandmother, and why she believes every cake batter mixed by hand tells a story. She also shares what it was like to close her beloved Back in the Day bakery in Savannah, Georgia, after 22 years, and what she’s been up to since. Then, they dive into Cheryl’s Sweet Potato Pie recipe from her latest book. Cheryl reveals her tips for making the flakiest pie crust (hint: it involves smearing butter with the heel of your hand) and how she whips up a perfect meringue topping without a candy thermometer. Click here for Cheryl’s Sweet Potato Pie recipe. Thank you to Diamond Nuts & California Prunes for their support. Subscribe or pre-order The Cake IssueJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Cheryl: Instagram, website, “Cheryl Day's Treasury of Southern Baking” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Kat Lieu. Kat is a writer, recipe developer, cookbook author, and activist. She’s the founder of the Modern Asian Baking blog and the Subtle Asian Baking community, which celebrates Asian flavors, cultures, and creativity through the art of baking. She just released her third cookbook, “108 Asian Cookies: Not-Too-Sweet Treats from a Third-Culture Kitchen,” and she joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk about the nostalgic sweets that inspired it.The duo also talks about Kat’s journey from physical therapist to full-time content creator. Kat also walks Jessie through her playful recipe for Crazy Rich Billionaire’s Shortbread, a spin on the classic Millionaire’s Shortbread, with a nod to the 2018 film “Crazy Rich Asians.” It features a pandan shortbread base, coconut caramel with curried peanuts, and chocolate ganache.Click here for Kat’s Crazy Rich Billionaire’s Shortbread recipe. Thank you to Diamond Nuts & California Prunes for their support. Subscribe or pre-order The Cake IssueJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Kat: Instagram, website, "108 Asian Cookies" cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Maureen Abood. Maureen is a chef, recipe developer, and cookbook author. This fall, she released her second book, “Lebanese Baking: More Than 100 Recipes for Sweet and Savory Baked Goods.” It’s a beautiful celebration of the breads, pastries, and sweets of Lebanon.Maureen joins host Jessie Sheehan to share her childhood memories of baking bread with her grandmother and how the special occasion cakes her mother made inspired her love of baking. She and Jessie talk about how her new book grew from a single chapter in her first cookbook, “Rose Water & Orange Blossoms,” into a full collection filled with stories and soul. The duo also walk through Maureen’s recipe for Ma’amoul, the date-filled shortbread-like cookies that are a staple at Lebanese celebrations.Click here for Maureen’s Ma’amoul recipe.Thank you to Diamond Nuts & California Prunes for their support. Subscribe or pre-order The Cake IssueJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Maureen: Instagram, website, “Lebanese Baking” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Dorie Greenspan is back on the pod! Dorie is a beloved baker and bestselling cookbook author, who just released her 15th (!) cookbook. She joins host Jessie Sheehan to chat about “Dorie’s Anytime Cakes”—a collection of more than 100 irresistible “counter cakes,” the kind that sit on your counter and call you back for just one more slice.Dorie also shares what inspired her to fill this book with charming illustrations instead of traditional photography and takes Jessie behind the scenes of her creative process. The two talk about the desserts Dorie ate growing up in Brooklyn, the weekly brown paper bags of baked goods her grandmother brought over, and how her past recipes for The New York Times helped her develop the ones in her new book. And, of course, Dorie walks Jessie through her Devil’s Chocolate Cake. (Don’t miss her surprising tip involving a hair dryer!)Click here for Dorie’s Devil’s Chocolate Cake recipe.Thank you to Diamond Nuts & California Prunes for their support. Subscribe or pre-order The Cake IssueJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Dorie: Instagram, “Dorie’s Anytime Cakes” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
We’re kicking off a special miniseries today called She’s My Apple Pie, presented in partnership with Yes! Apples, where host Jessie Sheehan hangs out with some of the sweetest bakers around to talk signature bakes, fall baking, and seasonal treats. In this episode, Jessie is joined by Melissa Elsen, founder of Four & Twenty Blackbirds, the beloved Brooklyn pie shop known for its flavor-packed creations and impeccable crusts. She’s also the co-author of “The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book.”Melissa shares stories about her South Dakota childhood, including memories of baking with her grandmother, why she wanted to open a pie shop in New York City, and tips and tricks for pie-making success at home. She also guides Jessie through her New York Orchard Apple Pie, a special seasonal pie that’s available at the bakery now through the end of October.Click here for Melissa’s New York Orchard Apple Pie recipe.Thank you to Yes! Apples for supporting our show. Click here for Four & Twenty Blackbirds x Yes! Apples NY Orchard Pie BoxJubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Melissa: Four & Twenty Blackbirds, website, “The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book”More on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Aran Goyoaga is back on the pod! Aran is a celebrated baker, stylist, photographer, and one of the leading experts in gluten-free baking. You probably know her from her blog, Cannelle et Vanille, her bestselling cookbooks, and her beautiful, light-filled photography. She joins host Jessie Sheehan to chat about her brand new book, “The Art of Gluten-Free Bread: Groundbreaking Recipes for Artisanal Breads and Pastries.”Aran shares about her childhood growing up in the Basque region in Spain and her grandparents’ bakery, the beloved brioche buns filled with cream that sparked her love of baking, and her introduction to breadmaking in culinary school. The duo also dive into the challenges of developing gluten-free breads versus pastries, and Aran walks Jessie through her Gluten-Free Rosemary Focaccia recipe from her new book. Click here for Aran’s Gluten-Free Rosemary Focaccia recipe.Thank you to Diamond Nuts & California Prunes for their support. Get The Italy Issue here!Jubilee NYC 2026 tickets hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Aran: Instagram, website, “The Art of Gluten-Free Bread” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Beloved baker David Lebovitz is back on the pod! David is a pastry chef, cookbook author, and one of the OG food bloggers whose recipes and tales of Parisian life have inspired home bakers around the world. The newly revised edition of his bestselling book, “Ready for Dessert: My Best Recipes,” features more than 170 irresistible cakes, cookies, and pastries recipes, and he joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk about it. David also shares about the first chocolate soufflé he ever baked (in his mom’s Pyrex measuring cup), and he weighs in on the age-old debate of lemon versus chocolate dessert people. David also walks Jessie through his playful PB&J spin on a classic Linzertorte.Click here for David’s Peanut Butter & Jelly Linzertorte recipe. Thank you to California Prunes for their support. Get The Italy Issue here!Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on David: Instagram, newsletter, website, "Ready For Dessert" cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Aleksandra Crapanzano—journalist, cookbook author, and screenwriter. Aleksandra grew up between New York and Paris, experiences that shaped her lifelong love of French food. She’s the author of several books, including her forthcoming, “Chocolat: Parisian Desserts and Other Delights.”Aleksandra joins host Jessie Sheehan to share memories of her Parisian childhood (and the beloved crêperie she and her dog frequented after school), her serendipitous path into food writing, and what sets French and American home baking apart (such as using sugar as a seasoning to the rare use of vanilla). Plus, the duo walk through the Chocolate Madeleines recipe from her new book.Click here for Aleksandra’s Chocolate Madeleines recipe. Thank you to California Prunes for their support. Get The Italy Issue here!Join the Jubilee L.A. waitlist hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Aleksandra: Instagram, website, “Chocolat” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Beloved baker and blogger Sally McKenney of Sally’s Baking Addiction is back on the pod! Since launching her site over a decade ago, Sally has become one of the most trusted voices in home baking, with over 1,200 recipes, step-by-step tutorials, and expert tips that help bakers of all levels succeed in the kitchen. She’s also the author of four cookbooks, including her newest, “Sally’s Baking 101: Foolproof Recipes From Easy to Advanced.”Sally joins host Jessie Sheehan to share the secrets behind her Classic Cheesecake recipe from the new book and offers some of her best pro tips, from shaping the perfect chocolate chip cookie to achieving those irresistible crinkly-topped brownies. Click here for Sally’s Classic Cheesecake recipe. Thank you to California Prunes for their support. Get The Italy Issue here!Join the Jubilee L.A. waitlist hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Sally: Instagram, website, “Sally’s Baking 101” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Kelly Mencin, the culinary director and co-owner of Radio Bakery, one of New York City’s buzziest places. The Cleveland native is a veteran of Bouchon Bakery, Gramercy Tavern, and Rolo’s, and she opened the Brooklyn bakery with the Rolo’s team in 2023. It quickly drew lines down the block for its savory croissants and other laminated baked goods. Kelly joins host Jessie Sheehan to discuss her journey from culinary school to fine dining to bakery success. She talks about her love for dessert, the fine line between nostalgia and innovation, and what it’s like to go viral on social media. Plus, Kelly walks us through her Cheesy Pretzel Bearclaw—a laminated dough filled with a grainy mustard béchamel and cheddar cheese that’s dipped in a lye solution to be “pretzelized” before baking.Thank you to California Prunes for their support. Get The Italy Issue here!Join the Jubilee L.A. waitlist hereVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Kelly: Instagram, Radio BakeryMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Anne Byrn, a trusted voice in American and Southern baking. Best known for her bestselling “Cake Mix Doctor” cookbook series, Anne’s career spans from her early days working at the school newspaper to studying at La Varenne Culinary School in Paris to becoming an accomplished journalist and bestselling author. Her latest book, “Baking in the American South,” weaves together 200 recipes with the cultural history that shaped them. Anne joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk about her path as a writer and baker, the time Julia Child cooked for her (hint: it was a roast chicken), and the evolution of the cake she’s been perfecting for more than three decades—coconut cake.Click here for Anne’s Coconut Cake recipe. Thank you to California Prunes for their support. Get The Italy Issue here!Jubilee L.A. tickets are on sale nowVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Anne: Instagram, website, “Baking in the American South” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Erika Council, biscuit-maker extraordinaire and owner of Bomb Biscuit Co. in Atlanta. Erika’s fluffy, buttery biscuits have earned her fans far and wide, and she’s also the author of the cookbook “Still We Rise: A Love Letter to the Southern Biscuit with over 70 Sweet and Savory Recipes,” which is a tribute to her family’s deep roots in the South and her culinary heritage.Erika joins host Jessie Sheehan to discuss her journey from pop-up baker to brick-and-mortar success, the influence of her two grandmothers, and how bacon grease can be the mark of a true Southern cook. Erika also walks Jessie through The Bomb Buttermilk Biscuit recipe from her book.Click here for Erika’s Bomb Buttermilk Biscuit recipe.Thank you to California Prunes for their support. Jubilee L.A. tickets are on sale now!Subscribe here to get The Italy Issue, out this September.Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Erika: Instagram, Bomb Biscuit Co., “Still We Rise” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Shilpa Uskokovic, senior food editor at Bon Appétit and co-owner of Hani’s Bakery in New York City. Shilpa is a Chennai-born CIA grad who worked in fine dining restaurants before transitioning to the test kitchen. She and her husband, Miro, own and operate Hani’s, a bakery in the East Village with nostalgic and seasonal treats.Shilpa joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk about her first bake (a Victoria sponge cake), the magic of Chennai tea stalls, Bon Appétit’s Bake Club, and why Hani’s location means so much to her. Then, the duo dive into her Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats With Brown Butter (with two secret ingredients!) and the story behind Hani’s pistachio halvah version.Click here for Shilpa’s Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats With Brown Butter recipe on Bon Appétit.Thank you to California Prunes for their support. Jubilee L.A. tickets are on sale now!Subscribe here to get The Italy Issue, out this September.Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Shilpa: Instagram, Hani’s Bakery, Bon Appétit recipesMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Yewande Komolafe—recipe developer, New York Times columnist, and author of “My Everyday Lagos,” a James Beard-nominated cookbook. In this episode, Yewande tells host Jessie Sheehan about her remarkable journey from growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, to building a life and establishing a career in food in the U.S.Yewande shares how her mother, who was a food scientist, inspired her love for flavor and about her transition from working in restaurants to food media. She also dishes on her love for mangos and walks Jessie through her Mango Shortcakes With Lime-Coconut Cream recipe from the Times. Click here for Yewande’s Mango Shortcakes With Lime Coconut-Cream recipe on NYT Cooking.Thank you to California Prunes for their support. Jubilee L.A. tickets are on sale now!Subscribe here to get The Italy Issue, out this September.Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Yewande: Instagram, NYT articles, “My Everyday Lagos” cookbookMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Victoria Granof—the food stylist, creative director, and visionary behind some of the most beautiful cookbook photos and food campaigns around. Victoria joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk about her career, from her classical culinary training to working on projects for Vogue, Bon Appétit, and The New York Times, and her book, “Sicily, My Sweet: Love Notes to an Island, with Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Puddings, and Preserves.”Victoria also opens up about her deep love for Sicily and the influence her Italian heritage has on her cooking and baking. Plus, she walks us through the Crostata Capricciosa recipe from her book, including four different fillings: chocolate custard, sweetened ricotta, pastry cream, and sun-cooked peach preserves.Click here for Victoria’s Crostata Capricciosa recipe. Thank you to California Prunes for their support. Jubilee L.A. tickets are on sale now!Join our Summer Tastemaker Tour waitlistSubscribe here to get The Italy Issue, out in Sept.Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Victoria: Instagram, Substack, websiteMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook
Today’s guest is Lauren Tran, the owner and pastry chef behind Bánh by Lauren, the popular Vietnamese-American and French-inspired bakery in New York City’s Chinatown. Lauren’s menu is a love letter to tradition, family, and flavor with delicious treats like lychee raspberry macarons, steamed rice cakes, and pandan coconut chiffon cake. Lauren joins host Jessie Sheehan to share how she turned a pandemic pop-up into one of the city's most buzzed-about bakeries, the pie contest that helped launch her career, and how her childhood in Seattle, fine-dining training, and Vietnamese roots shape every recipe she creates. Then, the duo walk through Lauren’s recipe for her signature Pandan Honeycomb Cake (bánh bò nuớng in Vietnamese).Thank you to Nordic Ware and California Prunes for their support. Jubilee L.A. tickets are on sale now!Join our Summer Tastemaker Tour waitlistGet The Power IssueVisit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events.More on Lauren: Instagram, Bánh by Lauren websiteMore on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook