Pastry Chef Natalie Levin

Ever since I can remember, I have loved to bake. When I was a little girl and my grandmother would come over to take care of me, there would always be a tray or two of aromatic cookies at the end of her visit that spread their wonderful scent throughout the house.

When I grew up a bit, I learned from my grandmother how to make rolled cream cakes covered in chocolate, towering tortes that were as light as clouds, and many more cakes that I remember fondly to this day.

I started my blog, oogio.net, about seven years ago with the aim of creating a collection of recipes and ideas for cakes, cookies and desserts. I had no idea how much this site would change my life, and I feel so lucky to work in a field that is so challenging and creative, and to wake up every morning to work I really like and enjoy doing.

The thought of creating new desserts makes me excited every time. The first thing I think about is the combination of flavors; after that, a variety of attempts to find the best possible result, and finally my favorite stage, designing and putting together the dessert.

One of the most exciting things for me – and the thing that gives me the most energy – is seeing people preparing and enjoying my desserts. Most of all, I love when they share their results with me. It’s fun to see how everyone takes a recipe in a different direction.

Natalie Levin is a pastry chef and successful blogger (oogio.net). She is also the author (along with photographer Efrat Lictenstadt) of the bestselling cookbook Sweet Book. Her inspiration comes from French patisserie and the best chefs in Paris. She lives and breathes desserts, and nothing pleases her more than seeing a recipe take shape. Natalie graduated from the Bishulim Cooking School (2007) and has been leading baking workshops since 2012.