Broad Spotlight: Ann LoParo from Annie’s Signature Sweets
We are normally a house divided when it comes to sweets. Beard loves them but is pretty particular when it comes to desserts, and Broad is pretty picky and normally prefers savory items. We were rather set in our ways until we met Ann LoParo from Annie’s Signature Sweets. We are not exaggerating when we say her desserts are some of the best we’ve ever had.
Ann created Annie’s Signature Sweets out of her intense passion for desserts and a need to satisfy her huge sweet tooth. She spent 10 years working as a Pastry Chef all over the US and then created her business in 2017. Ann does “everything but the cake.” Cakes are her least favorite thing to make and since she’s a business owner, she gets to do what she wants!
Her desserts include her best selling (and kinda famous) heart shaped lemon lavender shortbread (literally, THE best), delectable fudge brownie bites, sweet and savory tarts including our favorite Rosemary Apple Goat Cheese tart, and unique cheesecakes like Matcha Chocolate Cheesecake or Pretzel Salted Caramel Cheesecake (ohmygod this cheesecake). She also creates custom mini desserts for parties, celebrations, party trays for open houses, weddings, events and edible corporate gifts. In addition to baking for events she also teaches baking classes.
Ann was recently named the 5th best Pastry Chef in Cleveland by Cleveland Scene Magazine and won 5th place in Cleveland.com’s most sinful sweet contest with her Pretzel Salted Caramel Cheesecake! We caught up with her in between her busy events to find out some things we’ve always wanted to know from a pastry chef.
We’re sure you get this all the time, but what is your favorite dessert to make?
My Lemon Lavender Shortbread and my Pretzel Salted Caramel Cheesecake. My Lemon Lavender is the first thing I made as a new business owner, and my Pretzel Salted Caramel Cheesecake is salty and sweet and it won the 5th most sinful sweet in Cleveland last fall from Cleveland.com and it makes people so happy when they order it. I love it! Sinful sweets are always a good idea!!
What is your favorite class to teach? Is there one particular item that is especially fun to teach how to make?
Cinnamon Rolls is closest to my heart 🙂 It is the 2nd class that I taught and I felt like I was teaching something that people would actually try at home. I love seeing what combinations people come up with when they make their own desserts in my classes and cinnamon rolls is one of the ones I feel like people become more creative. I wanted to make sure when I started teaching that everyone would be able to make their own unique sweets. There are classes out there but they have you work in groups and you are not able to create your own twist on the desserts.
I have learned that any class that involves yeast is fun to make and teach. I have taught cinnamon rolls, pretzels, focaccia and even though they are all yeast breads, they are completely different types of breads. I love breads 🙂
Do you order dessert when you’re out? If so, do you have a favorite CLE restaurant for dessert?
I pretty much base my restaurant selection on the desserts. I honestly have been on an ice cream/gelato kick lately so Mitchell’s or Sweet Moses or The Sweet Spot are my top 3, but I usually go for the most decadent or unique dessert on the menu. I need to get back out there to find the best dessert ASAP! I honestly don’t remember the last dessert I got at a restaurant. I have been living in the kitchen since last Fall lol.
What’s your favorite drink to order when you’re out?
Moscow Mule- I love ginger and it is refreshing all year 🙂
What’s your favorite CLE restaurant when you’re on a budget? When you’re feeling fancy?
I am pretty much always on a budget lol but I go to Mellow Mushroom A LOT! I pretty much live on Italian food and love Bucci’s cavatelli!!
What’s your favorite CLE food item?
Mac & cheese, pretzels, any kind of bread item 🙂
What’s your go to meal when you’re cooking for yourself? For a group?
Pasta for me. I seriously have limited cooking skills and eat like a 5 year old so I always make desserts for everyone:)
What’s your favorite travel destination?
Bali – I went on a yoga retreat 3 years ago and it literally changed my life in so many ways. I would go back in a second. However, Paris is always a good idea- I mean…desserts EVERYWHERE!! I say it’s a tie.
What would be your last meal and drink?
Moscow mule, mac & cheese, a giant pretzel, tomato bisque, a hot fudge brownie sundae.
Your friend is in Cleveland for one day, what should they do?
Take one of my baking classes and then do a pastry tour around Cleveland.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us, Ann! Be sure to check out her website and take one of her classes!