MOUNT WASHINGTON’S ZOE PECKICH, WINNER OF FOOD NETWORK’S “SUMMER BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP” | PHOTO BY ROB PRYCE

Mount Washington’s very own, Zoe Peckich, took a win for Pittsburgh Monday night at Food Network’s “Summer Baking Championship”. Peckich received a grand prize of $25,000, paving the way for more appearances on the Food Network. 

As one of 10 national bakers chosen for the competition, Peckich paid homage to her hometown, winning challenges with Pittsburgh-inspired creations. Peckich also honored her role as pastry sous chef at Downtown’s Ritual House, using a recipe from the menu in a challenge. 

In the episode’s first challenge, she claimed victory with a Kennywood-inspired dessert, which led to her final win: a float cake inspired by her hometown of Canonsburg’s Fourth of July parade. 

Peckich’s victory has attracted locals and visitors to her workplace at Ritual House, as reported by TribLive. During the Pride-themed competition, she created a rainbow-tiered cake using the recipe of a cake on the restaurant’s menu. 

 Peckich says she will remain at Ritual House, anticipating another opportunity to be featured on the Food Network in the future.