De Novo Delights, Seattle

The idea of a cake cooling on a windowsill conjures up a dreamy, idyllic image for most. But for Patricia McRae, it's a sweet reminder of of her childhood. Watching the Southern dames of her family baking beautiful, aromatic cakes was where it all began for her. And today, she brings more than 30 years of experience to De Novo Delights, where she's the Executive Pastry Chef. Whipping up everything from buttery pound cakes to tiered wedding-cake masterpieces, De Novo crafts each creation from scratch—just like McRae remembers. She and her team also specialize in edible image cakes with personal photographs and desperate Facebook friend requests emblazoned atop their sweet buttercream frosting.