Career Diary of a Pastry Chef by Yuko Kitazawa

I was roommates with an extraordinary girl, named Yuko Kitazawa. Even back then, she was an exceptional chef! Our apartment always smelled good with baked cookies, homemade gnocchi and lots of other gourmet treats that I was privvy to! She was the first person to introduce to me ratatouille and expose me to true Japanese sushi and sashimi. Earning a degree in Philosophy at Cal Berkeley was not enough for my friend--she wanted to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. She decided to go to Culinary School in New York at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

I am so inspired by her for reaching her dream of becoming a professional pastry chef. Yuko is now a published writer as well (which I think is an amazing accomplishment!!!). If you, or anyone you know, are interested in starting a career in pastry, or if you are just passionate about food and baking, I have the perfect book to recommend: Career Diary of a Pastry Chef by Yuko Kitazawa.