Photo: Sang An

Bill Yosses
Bill Yosses' Black Forest Cake

What's your favorite secret ingredient?
Fresh vanilla bean. It gives depth and character to most other flavors.

What was your favorite birthday cake growing up?
Any decorated bakery cake, the more frosting the better.

What's your guilty pleasure?
Baked meringue and whipped cream. I love meringues and whipped cream.

What three things are always in your fridge?
Yogurt, fresh fruits, and tofu for my morning breakfast drink.

Besides baking, what are you passionate about?
I've become a passionate gardener lately. I also love to read, mostly biographies or historical books, and I love the movies.

Next: Mindy Segal's favorite pastime...