Mindy Segal

Mindy Segal is a pastry chef known for her expertise in temperature, texture, and taste, which she describes as a philosophy of balance. After earning a culinary degree from Kendall College, Segal began her career as an assistant to a leading Chicago pastry chef at Ambria restaurant. She further developed her skills under culinary professionals including Michael Kornick, Charlie Trotter, and Erwin Dreschler. Segal has worked in kitchens such as Spago, Gordon, Charlie Trotter's, Ambria, and MK, specializing in contemporary American cuisine with modern interpretations of classic desserts.

Segal opened her first restaurant, HotChocolate, in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, establishing it as a destination for pastry and dessert. She received the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef and was nominated for the award multiple times. Segal was also recognized as Share Our Strength's Chef of the Year for her contributions to Taste of the Nation, a culinary benefit focused on ending childhood hunger in cities across the United States and Canada. The city of Chicago officially recognized her achievements by proclaiming a day in her honor.

Segal is the author of the cookbook "Cookie Love," published by Ten Speed Press, which focuses on cookie recipes ranging from peanut butter peanut brittle to peaches-and-cream thumbprints. She has appeared on "The Today Show," "The Martha Stewart Show," Food Network, and Cooking Channel. Her work has been featured in O Magazine, GQ, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post.

Segal partnered with Cresco Labs to launch a culinary-driven, cannabis-infused edibles brand, Mindy's, which features precisely dosed products with distinctive flavor combinations. In collaboration with Cresco, Mindy's Kitchen became a leading edible brand in Nevada. Following the closure of HotChocolate, Segal transitioned to operating weekend bakery pop-ups in Chicago, offering a variety of pastries and baked goods. Mindy's Bakery earned national recognition by winning Good Morning America's United States of Hot Cocoa contest for best hot chocolate in the country. Segal continues to contribute to the pastry and confectionery industry, influencing both professionals and home bakers.