Elena Vance

Head of Pastry Arts & Culinary Technologist The “Science of Sugar” Expert
Elena Vance Bio Elena Vance is a classically trained pastry chef and cookbook author known for bringing French precision to American home baking. After honing her skills in Paris, Elena returned to New York to open L’Alchimie, a boutique pâtisserie celebrated for its structural approach to desserts. She is the brand’s technical anchor, obsessed with the chemistry of crystallization and the perfect crumb structure.
Elena is the author of the best-selling reference guide, The Architecture of Sweet: Precision Baking for the Home Cook. She specializes in complex flavor infusions, most notably her signature “Hot Honey Cheesecake”, and dedicates her time to testing recipes until they are scientifically foolproof.
Specialties: Technical Baking, Cheesecakes, Artisan Doughs, Flavor Infusion Science.

Kai Tanaka

Dessert Trend Analyst & Flavor Developer The “Viral Sweet” Innovator
Kai Tanaka Bio Kai Tanaka is a dynamic flavor developer and digital content creator who challenges the boundaries of modern dessert culture. A former lead barista and R&D specialist, Kai is the voice behind the “New Nostalgia” movement, blending high-tech kitchen gadgets with bold, “swicy” (sweet and spicy) flavor profiles.
He is best known for his viral “Ninja Creami” hacks and for decoding TikTok dessert trends to see if they are worth the hype. Kai’s philosophy is that dessert should be fun, fast, and visually explosive. His debut book, Sugar Rush: 100 Viral Treats You Can Make in 15 Minutes, was released in 2024.
Specialties: Frozen Treats (Ice Cream/Sorbet), Viral Dessert Hacks, Beverages, Donuts & Fried Dough.

Maya Brooks

Director of Sweet Entertaining The “Smart Baking” Strategist
Maya Brooks Bio Maya Brooks is a lifestyle editor and home economist dedicated to the art of low-effort, high-impact dessert hosting. Understanding that modern life is busy, Maya champions the “Semi-Homemade” philosophy, teaching home cooks how to elevate store-bought staples into bakery-quality treats.
She is the founder of the 10-Minute Host blog and specializes in “Dessert Board” styling and quick-fix party sweets. Maya’s recipes are designed for the host who has 20 minutes until guests arrive but still wants to serve something spectacular, like her famous Whipped Honey & Ricotta Fruit Dip.
Specialties: No-Bake Desserts, Cookie Decorating Hacks, Sweet Charcuterie Boards, Semi-Homemade Baking.