About Me

Baking and it's many wonderful, varied aspects has always been a lifelong love. I discovered the magic of mixing flour, butter, sugar and eggs and making something delicious at an early age. I continued to pursue my interest by attending Baltimore International Culinary College and then graduating from L'Academie de Cuisine's Pastry Arts program with honors. I have worked as a pastry chef in restaurants, catering companies and patisseries. I have also worked as a pastry chef instructor, teaching Merchant Marines how to bake.

Upon arriving on the Big Island of Hawaii I began working as a full time pastry chef for Kukio Resort and Beach Club.

In 2006 Maria and her husband, Dien opened Short N Sweet Bakery & Cafe in Hawi; fulfilling a life-long dream.  Dien is the creative force behind the cafe menu as well as the actual shop itself.  The display case, screen doors, and all the trim were all hand made and installed by him. All the extensive kitchen renovations were the result of f Dien's  hours of design and hard labor.  Short N Sweet Bakery & Cafe is truly a joint effort and creation.