Founded in 1946, THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate's degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Courses for foodservice professionals are offered at the college's main campus in Hyde Park, New York, and at its branch, The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, in St. Helena, California.

Ben Fink is an award-winning photographer, whose work has been featured in Saveur, Bon Appétit, and Food & Wine magazines, as well as in several books, including the James Beard Award–winning Artisan Baking Across America. He is a member of Who's Who in American Photography and resides in New York City.