Erin Jeanne McDowell arrived in Food52's test kitchen over a decade ago to work as a food stylist, and within weeks, she became our go-to baking expert. Her complete mastery of pie-making and ability to make technical bakes like croissants seem easy was instantly endearing. Her fans grew as she authored three cookbooks and became the host of the Food52 video series, Bake It Up a Notch, which includes over 60 episodes, and just began streaming on Delta flights. Now Erin is about to widen her audience again with her role in the new Netflix show, The Big Nailed It! Baking Challenge.
Filming started right after Erin and her husband moved from the New York area to Kansas City, Mo., but the opportunity was too good to pass up. Unlike many culinary shows, she wasn't there to judge the amateur bakers, but rather, to coach them throughout the season. It allowed her to do what she loves: teach others how to bake with confidence. “It was exactly what I wanted to do because that's really who I am first, a teacher," said Erin. "I really want more people to bake.”