Chef Eddy Van Damme (affectionately known as the “Prince of Pastry”) is a world-renowned chef, instructor, TV host and author. A native of Belgium, Eddy was introduced to the world of baking from an early age, learning at the feet of his mother Ana, a passionate cook and home baker and his late uncle Oscar, a baking scientist. 

Chef Eddy started baking at the age of 10 and during his teens, his talent was discovered by one of Belgium finest pastry shops, Bundervoet. Eddy attended pastry school in Bruges and at PIVA in Antwerp. He studied patisserie in Paris at LeNôtre and Cacao Barry. Eddy’s other passion in life was America. As a teenager a huge map of the United States filled up his bedroom wall and his mother made him a small American flag which he fastened on his car’s antenna. While taking a trip to Germany on the train, Eddy met a woman from Texas who invited him for a visit to her ranch. He took her up on the offer and ever since Eddy has made his home in America. However, he still travels at least twice a year to visit his family in Europe and to keep up with the latest pastry trends. 

Throughout his career, Eddy has won numerous awards and pastry competitions and holds 5 ACF gold medals. He is the co-author of “On Baking: A Textbook of Baking and Pastry Fundamentals” named by Gourmand International as the best cookbook for professionals. His weekly TV show, Bake It, can be seen in Houston on CBS station KHOU-TV.