#8 – How Do Childhood Flavors Shape Award-Winning Pastry? | Chef Rochelle Cooper

On this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome 2024 RAMW Pastry Chef of the Year, Rochelle Cooper, from The Duck and The Peach, La Collina, and more. We start with her story, looking at her early kitchen memories and the moments that made her want to work in pastry after culinary school. Then, we talk about how she creates, discussing how memories and childhood flavors inspire her desserts. Next, we look at her daily life, balancing being a busy chef with being a new mom. After that, we discuss how her desserts look, examining food photography and how social media shows off her work. We also talk about working with a team, discussing what makes a good pastry team and how working together helps her create. Finally, we celebrate her award, reflecting on her RAMW Pastry Chef of the Year award and what it means during a tough time for restaurants, with rising ingredient costs. 

The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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