Today’s guest is Kelly Jacques, the baker and co-owner of Ayu Bakehouse in New Orleans. The bakery has become known for their King Cake, a ring-shaped pastry that’s somewhere between a Danish and a cinnamon bun. The Louisiana city is notorious for this baked good, which is eaten from Epiphany in January up until Mardi Gras. 

Kelly tells host Jessie Sheehan how she went from studying pre-med to getting a degree in glassblowing to graduating from culinary school and starting the bakery. She also walks Jessie through her King Cake recipe, which incorporates a croissant dough and a cinnamon cream cheese filling. 

Click here for Kelly’s Croissant City Classic King Cake. 

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More on Kelly: Instagram, Ayu Bakehouse, Order Ayu’s King Cakes
More on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes” cookbook