The judges' line-up . . .

As promised . . . here is some background information on our three celebrity judges:

1. Returning judge Tracy Thompson. Tracy is pastry chef who learned her trade by studying under her favorite chefs. For 15 years, she worked in various European cafes in Minneapolis. When she moved to Madison, WI, Tracy baked at Cafe Europa and Sun Porch. After three years of working in Madison, Tracy and her family opened Sjolind's Chocolate House in Mount Horeb. Believe me - - we're very glad she did!

2. Returning judge Marcus Candinas. Marcus is a Swiss trained confectioner! He learned his trade in a three-year apprenticeship program in Switzerland. This "passion for fine foods, and in particular for all things sweet, drove him to create his collection of chocolate mastery" (www.candinas.com). Today he owns the thriving business, "Candinas Chocolatier" located in Verona with a new location in Madison!

3. Newcomer David Bacco. David started his career in 1994 in Lexington, Kentucky. He began at a local restarant where he learned all areas of the kitchen, culinary and pastry skills, and the science of natural flavor combinations and palate tasting. David moved to Madison, WI in 1997. Since moving to Madison, David has worked at the Opera House as the Fish and Vegetarian chef, Elegant Edibles as a wedding cake decorator, The Madison Club where he was the Head Pstry Chef, and the Mediterranean Grill where he was also the Head Pastry Chef. In 2005, David helped open the new French Bistro, wine bar, and confectionary Cocoliquot. He has expanded his repertoire to elegant, fun French desserts and started his own line of choclates, DB Chocolats, which are now featured in the menu! David has formal training from the French Pastry School in Chicago, IL. He also has won numerous awards for his desserts and choclates. We are very excited to have him on board for this year's DBC!