An avid home baker, Martin Sorge initially thought he would put together a booklet of original recipes for his family. But that changed after he won The Great American Baking Show in 2023 and nabbed a book deal. Now, thanks to Great Bakes: Modern Classic Recipes From the Midwest (out August 4), everyone can make his clever treats inspired by his Indiana upbringing and current life in Chicago. We talked with Sorge about the new cookbook.
What does Midwestern food mean to you?
“It’s simple, classic, and comforting but still evolves — it’s not the same recipe your grandma made. The fruit and dairy we have access to here is incredible. I get a little irritated when people call Midwestern baking niche.”
Which recipes should people start with?
“The giant cherry Pop-Tart, which I made for a birthday party. It’s like a cherry pie but a lot easier and faster. The other is the Chicago dog focaccia. Two summers ago, I had hot dogs in the fridge, and I thought, What would happen if I shoved them into the bread? It’s the perfect version of a hot dog.”
You also revived a much-loved local treat.
“I used to live two blocks from Swedish Bakery in Andersonville. Anytime family would come, I would get the coffee cake. When they closed, I had to figure it out. It was hard to shape it to look like theirs, but I got the flavor right. I remembered cinnamon, almond, and cardamom, and added orange zest and an orange glaze to brighten it and make it my own.”