Roland Mesnier’s Basic to Beautiful Cakes

In his twenty-five years as Executive White House Pastry Chef, Roland Mesnier prided himself on creating a unique dessert for every special occasion, from elaborate State Dinners and formal receptions to smaller family gatherings and birthday celebrations

Roland Mesnier is the former Executive Pastry Chef of the White House. He developed the first professional pastry program in the Washington, D.C., area, at L’Académie de Cuisine, in Bethesda, Maryland. He is also the honorary president of the World Cup of Pastry, and every year L’Académie de Cuisine awards a scholarship in his name. He lives in Virginia.

Lauren Chattman, a former pastry chef, is the author of Instant Gratification, Cool Kitchen, and Mom’s Big Book of Baking, among other cookbooks. She lives in Sag Harbor, New York.