Heidi McAnulla

My first experience in baking came when growing up in New Orleans. My "second" family originated from France. They owned a French bakery and I would help them out during the holidays. The buttery flakiness of their most perfect croissant is still memorable to me.

After graduating from the Florida Culinary Institute Baking program, I started my career as a pastry chef. Utilizing my new found knowledge and still keeping in mind my roots, a baking style emerged that is best described as American with a French flair.

After earning the bronze medal in the South Eastern Acadiana Classic, I felt like I was on the right course. Becoming a member of the American Culinary Federation was a great honor to me. My style was reinforced by working with such distinguished people as Emeril Lagasse of Emeril's and the Brennans of Commander's Palace. While working with them, I was able to associate with incredible people from different parts of the culinary industry. Meeting Julia Child and working with great chefs from all over the country for a James Beard dinner furthered my love for the culinary arts. I was shown how using the best ingredients available produced the best results.

My philosophy is that baking is not about short cuts, but taking the time to do something memorable. By creating everything from scratch, and truly putting in the time and effort, I feel that it really shows in the end products. The best results are what we strive for in each of our desserts and special occasion cakes by using the freshest and most natural ingredients. To me, baking offers comfort with something tangible to taste, smell and savor. As much as any other culinary activity, it can bring great joy to a special occasion.

I moved to the Destin area eleven years ago with my husband to work in the restaurant industry. I started Bake My Day as a way to return to the culinary arts after my son was born, but still able to be a "stay at home mom". The business has grown steadily over the years and now includes providing desserts to the areas award winning restaurants and providing special occasion cakes to local venues. I love living on the Emerald Coast for its natural beauty. Being an avid outdoorsman I enjoy organic gardening and riding mountain bikes with my family, especially with my son Quinn who is eight years old.