Born and raised in northeast Ohio, Matthew Ratliff earned an Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Chef Ratliff stayed on at the CIA for a one-year fellowship as a Teaching Assistant. He completed his internship at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Beach, California, which included working in their five-star, five-diamond restaurant, as well as all other areas of the resort. After his time in sunny California, he returned to the East Coast to become the Assistant Pastry Chef at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on Little Torch Key, Florida accessible only by boat or seaplane. His next stop would be at Desserts International in Exton, Pennsylvania, where he worked under CMPC (Certified Master Pastry Chef) and owner Gunther Heiland. Desserts International is a wholesale bakery specializing in European style wedding cakes and extravagant desserts that are supplied to top restaurants, casinos, and hotels nationwide.

Chef Ratliff also made his mark at The Inn at Perry Cabin, in St. Michaels, Maryland, a five-star hotel and resort. There he provided custom wedding cakes and creative desserts at the award-winning Sherwood's Landing Restaurant. In October 2007, Chef Ratliff began working at The Everglades Club under CMPC Chris Northmore. Matthew took over as the Pastry Chef at the end of 2019, and currently still works at the club as the Executive Pastry Chef.

Throughout his career, Chef Ratliff has worked with three CMPC's in the United States: Gunther Heiland, Chris Northmore, Frank Volkomer. In addition, he has worked with Stéphane Glacier, MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pâtissier). Matthew has also been a contributor to Pastry Arts Magazine, and the Pastry Arts Summit.

Chef Ratliff has earned several high ranked pastry certifications: WCMPC (World Certified Master Pastry Chef), CMB (Certified Master Baker) and CEPC (Certified Executive Pastry Chef). In 2006, Matthew started competing in nationally ranked pastry competitions, winning several, including FoodNetwork's Sugar Impossible Challenge and the Flying Sugar Challenge.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How a fun job at a diner inspired his career in the culinary industry
• Studying pastry at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park
• Externship at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Beach and a job at Little Palm Island Resort in FL
• Matt's big challenge: working for and learning from Gunther Heiland at Desserts International
• What it was like to compete in three FoodNetwork competitions
• A typical day for Matt at The Everglades Club
• Matt's top kitchen tips and advice for aspiring pastry chefs
• And much more!

Jenny's Wedding Cakes was officially born in 1998, inspired by Jenny Williamson's lifelong passion to bake pretty things. She began studying classic food techniques on her own, sparked by inspiration from her icon, Julia Child. Her love for beautiful and exceptional tasting food and desserts led her to continue to self-train in baking and catering while earning a degree in business. Together with her background in art and education in marketing, she was equipped to start a successful boutique wedding cake business, emphasizing classic aspects of design and style inspired by art, fashion and nature. Since then, she has become known for her original designs, eclectic, sophisticated – yet approachable – flavor selections and warm personal service.

Jenny's work has been featured in over 20 wedding publications (three of which were covers), two hard cover books, and two world-wide publications, as well as countless other print publications. She has had the honor of receiving Boston Magazine's 'Best of Boston' award in wedding cakes in the years 2012 and 2018 and has also won the Improper Bostonian 'Boston's Best' for wedding cakes in 2017.

Jenny has since taken her business experience and developed an on-line training program, Wedding Cake Business Academy, to help other aspiring wedding cake makers achieve success. Her students have been able to transform their lives to make a career out of their passion, baking and cake making. This will be her focus as she is so grateful for the life her business has given her, and she has made it a mission to share her knowledge with others. Jenny currently lives in Amesbury, MA with her two teenage daughters.

Instagram: jennys_wedding_cakes

Facebook group: Wedding Cake Business and Design

You Tube: Wedding Cake Business Academy

In this episode we discuss:

• How her family's love of food inspired a passion for baking
• When opportunity knocks: making her first wedding cake for a friend
• How she taught herself to make wedding cakes by reading books and lots of practice
• Getting a marketing plan and establishing important relationships
• How she keeps on top of the latest trends and techniques
• How she navigated being a single Mom and running a successful small business
• Developing her online training program, Wedding Cake Business Academy
• Jenny's top tip for decorating cakes
• And much more!

Daniel Mangione is an accomplished Executive Pastry Chef with a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. For over 23 years, Chef Daniel has been a noteworthy leader in luxury pastry kitchens within the namesake hospitality brand, Marriott. Serving as the Executive Pastry Chef at JW Marriott Nashville, Chef Daniel has been instrumental in shaping the pastry operations of this prestigious hotel in Tennessee.

Beginning his tenure with the Marriott family in 2003, he started his pastry internship in The Ritz-Carlton Naples through the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Since then, he has continued to grow within the Marriott brand and has held Executive Pastry Chef roles managing pastry operations for Ritz-Carltons in Washington DC, Half Moon Bay, Sanya China, Dove Mountain Arizona and Bvlgari Resorts in Bali Indonesia. Chef Daniel was also recognized as a member of the Eastern Region Ritz-Carlton Pastry Advisory Board during his tenure and currently serves on Marriott's Pastry Chef Counsel.

Daniel has been a part of over 22 new hotel openings including time spent in Aruba, St. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale, Lake Tahoe, Ranch Mirage, Rome, and Naples. Throughout his career, he has consistently exhibited his passion for pastry and demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and attention to detail. With his extensive experience in luxury hotels and resorts, he has contributed to the success of numerous establishments, elevating the pastry experience for guests and setting new standards in the industry.

Known also for his larger-than-life holiday displays, Chef Daniel's versatility and passion for pastry also extends to retail showcases and luxury event buffet creation. Chef Daniel's has most recently been credited with creating Nashville's only life size Whiskey Wonderland Gingerbread Bar where over 2000 guests tasted and toured this fully operational holiday season bar. As well, he was a critical part of the JW Marriott Nashville Valentines dessert lounge named "The Sweet Spot" that catered to over 600 guests in the four days of public operations.

When not in the kitchen, Daniel can be found in his woodshop, building the next dessert buffet elevation or décor item in an effort to continue elevating his passion for displays and visuals throughout. Instagram: @danielmangione25

In this episode, we discuss:

• How an after-school job at the Ritz-Carlton led to an interest in pastry
• Enrolling at CIA in Napa, and graduating from CIA in Hyde Park
• Working as Pastry Cook at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, FL
• Learning about chocolate production at Norman Love Confections
• Back to the Ritz-Carlton, this time as Assistant Pastry Chef in Sarasota
• The economy crashes in 2008, so Daniel takes an opportunity to work in China
• Paradise found – working as Executive Pastry Chef at the Bulgari Hotel in Bali
• Playing politics – working at the busy Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.
• Erecting the first life-size, eat-in gingerbread house at the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain in Tucson, AZ
• Landing at the JW Marriott in Nashville, and loving it
• And much more!

Episode Sponsored by

Valrhona, a certified B Corporation, has been crafting exceptional chocolate in the village of Tain L'Hermitage, France, since 1922. Founded by Pastry Chef Albéric Guironnet as the chocolate of chefs, Valrhona is known for its dedication to creating unique, artisan-quality chocolate with complex and balanced flavors. This commitment to excellence reflects the rich gastronomic traditions of the Rhone Valley, ensuring that every bite of Valrhona chocolate offers a consistent and unparalleled tasting experience. Visit valrhona.us for more information.

Aran Goyoaga is a fourth-generation baker, cookbook author, food stylist, and photographer. She grew up in the Basque Country in her grandparents' pastry shop, which was a gathering place for priests, radicals, and anyone looking for community. Aran moved to the U.S. at age 24, attended culinary school, and then worked in professional kitchens for years. After suffering from debilitating autoimmune disorders, she and her son were diagnosed with gluten intolerance. The very thing that defined her life and work was what had been making her sick all along. It was then that she made it her mission to elevate the world of alternative baking—to take the knowledge she was given and honor her family, while transforming recipes through her own experience with gluten intolerance.

Her latest cookbook, The Art of Gluten-Free Bread, is now available. Her cookbook Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple was published in 2021, and was named best of 2021 by The Washington Post, Food 52, Vanity Fair, and more. Her book Cannelle et Vanille was nominated for a James Beard Award, and her work has been recognized by The New York Times, Food 52, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, The Washington Post, NBC News, and more.

www.arangoyoaga.com

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Aran grew up in the Basque region of Spain, living across from her grandparents' bakeshop
• Moving to the U.S. and learning pastry and baking at culinary school in Florida
• Why she decided to photograph and share recipes on a blog
• How she landed her first book contract and launched a career as a cookbook author
• Discovering she was gluten intolerant and embarking on a new way of baking
• The release of her latest book, The Art of Gluten-Free Bread, and what's in it
• Tips on making the most flavorful (and beautiful) gluten-free bread
• And much more!

A first-generation American whose roots trace back to Portugal, Pastry Chef Stephanie Oliveira brings a deep sense of heritage, discipline, and creativity to her craft. She earned her bachelor's degree in Baking and Pastry Arts Management from The Culinary Institute of America in 2010, where she was awarded the prestigious Les Dames d'Escoffier scholarship in recognition of her talent and promise.

Stephanie began her professional journey with the Dinex Group in New York City, where she played an integral role in launching DBGB, Boulud Sud, and Épicerie Boulud under the direction of Chef Daniel Boulud. Her career quickly accelerated as she joined the opening team at Hakkasan, contributing to the restaurant's achievement of a Michelin star within its first year. After two years, she was promoted to Pastry Chef.

She later led the opening of Pâtisserie Chanson as Head Pastry Chef, bringing refined pastry techniques and creativity to the forefront. Her experience expanded into luxury retail dining as the Executive Pastry Chef for L'Avenue at Saks, working alongside iconic French pastry chef Pierre Hermé.

Today, Stephanie serves as the Regional Pastry Chef for Restaurant Associates, where she oversees multiple programs and supports pastry development across a growing portfolio. Her leadership reflects both technical mastery and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of pastry professionals. Instagram: @realchefsteph

In this episode we discuss:

• How making Portugese treats with Mom sparked a love of baking
• Attending CIA and winning a Les Dames d'Escoffier scholarship
• Working for Daniel Boulud's Dinex Group for three years
• From Pastry Sous Chef to Pastry Chef of Hakkasan in NYC
• Next stop Patisserie Chanson – transitioning to a high-end pastry shop
• Landing her dream job – Executive Pastry Chef at Pierre Herme's L'Avenue at Saks
• Stephanie's best kitchen tip and advice for newbies
• And much more!

Pastry chef Garry Larduinat is known for his whimsical and inventive desserts, creating masterpieces that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Born in Limoges, France, to parents who were both chefs, Garry started his career at age 14 with an apprenticeship at the Michelin two-star French restaurant, La Chapelle Saint Martin, followed by a formal culinary school education back in his hometown.

After working in top kitchens throughout France, Garry's dream of moving to New York City came true when in 2010, he assumed a position working with renowned pastry chef Francois Payard. Garry served as Executive Pastry Chef at Payard Patisserie, one of the country's best pastry shops, for close to six years before heading west to California to become Executive Pastry Chef at Los Angeles' famed Hotel Bel-Air.

In 2017, Garry joined Wolfgang Puck Catering which provided him with an opportunity to create with no boundaries, taking advantage of California's seasonal ingredients and the team's breadth of parties and events to produce an ever-changing arrange of visually stunning desserts.

Garry's style showcases classic flavor combinations with an unexpected twist in flavor, texture or presentation. His creative process begins by visualizing the colors and shapes before crafting the flavor profile. His work has cultivated an audience of over 180,000 followers on Instagram, where he provides an inside look at his process for creating edible art.

In this episode we discuss:

• Garry's apprenticeship at a Michelin-starred restaurant
• Taking a chance and a job in NYC
• What he learned working at Payard Patisserie
• Moving to Los Angeles to become Executive Pastry Chef at Hotel Bel-Air
• Discovering the challenges of working in a restrictive environment
• Landing his dream job at Wolfgang Puck Catering
• What it's like to craft desserts for Hollywood's biggest event of the year
• And much more!

Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Cecilia Gaudioso has a deep-rooted passion for pastry arts that traces back to her family's bakery, which was established in the 1930s. She earned an Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cecilia began her pastry career with an internship at the Historic Hotel DuPont in Wilmington, where she worked as a pastry chef for 12 years, crafting desserts for the café, The Green Room, and banquets. She further honed her cake decorating skills while working at The Master's Baker in West Chester, PA. In November 2015, Cecilia joined Restaurant Associates at Longwood Gardens, where she oversees daily pastry production for the Café and 1906 restaurants, assists in coordinating catering events, and collaborates on seasonal menus, all while upholding the standards and traditions of Longwood Gardens. Longwoodgardens.org

In this episode we discuss:

• How her family's bakery may have planted the seed for a career in pastry
• Soaking up knowledge at the Restaurant School in Philadelphia
• How an internship led to a 12-year stint at The Hotel DuPont
• Learning the craft of making custom cakes at The Master's Baker
• Landing a job at Longwood Gardens
• How she incorporates herbs and flowers into her desserts
• Balancing being a mom with her responsibilities as an Executive Pastry Chef
• Cecilia's best career advice
• And much more!

Episode Sponsored by​

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Romain Dufour is a baking instructor and consultant to industrial and artisan baking companies. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Chef Dufour's company offers expert training, masterclasses and guidance to bakers, helping them refine their craft and elevate their operations. He is also a key member of the organizing committee for the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie, which will take place in Paris, January 20-21st, 2026. The Americas Selection for the main competition will take place at the IBIE (International Baking Industry Exposition) in Las Vegas from September 14th through the 17th, 2025. The top two teams from this competition will go on to compete in Paris. For more info on Chef Dufour and the event, visit Chefromaindufour.com and bakingexpo.com.

In this episode we discuss:

• Romain's new role as consultant to artisan and industrial bakeries
• Juggling consulting with teaching masterclasses and digital courses
• His role in the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie Americas Selection
• What's involved in the competition
• How teams are judged
• Who will be representing the US in the competition
• Romain's best tip for bakers
• The element that generates the most excitement at the Coupe
• And much more!

Joy Wilson, also known as Joy the Baker, is a self-taught baker, cookbook author, and blogger who has been delighting readers and home bakers with her warm, relatable voice and mouth-watering recipes for over a decade. Originally from Los Angeles, Joy spent ten years soaking up the vibrant flavors of New Orleans before recently relocating to the charming small town of Bellville, Texas. In her new home, Joy continues to embrace her love for baking, now with a Texas twist, while settling into life in her historic house and prepping the space for future baking classes. With a knack for turning everyday ingredients into something special and a passion for bringing people together around the table, Joy's work is as much about creating joy in the kitchen as it is about sharing stories and experiences. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, Joy's approachable holiday recipes and delightful personality make her the perfect companion in the kitchen.

www.joythebaker.com

Instagram: @joythebaker

In this episode, we explore:

• Growing up in a family that embraced slow food and 'baking from scratch'
• Working in restaurants and bakeries, learning the business of baking
• Launching her blog, Joy the Baker, in 2008
• Nurturing a community of baking enthusiasts and fellow bloggers
• Writing a cookbook (three, actually!), and what that process is like
• Getting married on Thanksgiving and making the wedding cake (along with all the festive fixings)
• Expanding the Joy the Baker team
• Restoring her Victorian house and prepping to host baking classes
• And much more!

Born and raised in England, Susan Notter started baking at a young age, then attended culinary school while working in a pastry shop. After graduating, Chef Notter had the opportunity to work in Germany for Konditorei Heinmann, where she spent three years learning about European pastries and confections. Switzerland followed, and more experience with chocolate at Confiserie Bachmann in Luzern and Confiserie Honold in Zurich. While working in Zurich, Susan started taking sugar classes with Ewald Notter, who had just started the sugar school in Zurich. After a few months, Susan joined the school full-time, gaining more experience with pulled and blown sugar and eventually teaching classes alongside Ewald. The school grew and became internationally renowned; this led to world- wide travel, including to the U.S. to teach and demonstrate the art of pulled and blown sugar to many chefs.

In 2000, Susan moved to Alabama to open the Pastry and Baking division of Culinard, at Virginia College. Chef Notter has spent many years in the education field, teaching and as program director of pastry arts programs. In addition to this she has represented the country multiple times and the Culinary Olympics in Germany, placed 3rd at the Queen of Pastry in Italy and successfully coached 1st and 2nd place winners at the same competition. Currently, Chef Notter is the pastry coach of the USA Culinary Olympic Team, which represents the USA in international culinary competitions. She has appeared on numerous Food Network shows, including Halloween Wars, where she had the honor of being part of the winning team on the first season.

After spending the past four years as one of Felchlin's Corporate Pastry Chefs representing the company with technical support for the U.S. market, Chef Notter has now opened Elizabeth Moore Chocolates, where she is creating fine European chocolates, single-origin chocolate bars, teaching classes and designing special occasion sugar and chocolate showpieces.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Susan discovered her love of baking
• Culinary school and an apprenticeship at Konditorei Heinmann
• Jobs in Zurich and her introduction to pulled sugar
• Teaching sugar classes and giving demos all over the world
• Implementing college pastry programs in Alabama and Pennsylvania
• Working as a Corporate Pastry Chef at Felchlin
• Competing in pastry at the elite level
• Opening Elizabeth Moore Chocolates, a luxury boutique in Pelham, Alabama
• Susan's best tip for tempering chocolate
• And much more!

Episode Sponsored by​

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