Fireman, Baker, Wedding Cake Maker

Kory Rollison is as handy with a piping bag as he is with a firehose. When the 6-foot 5-inch firefighter isn't on duty as a captain in the Green Oak Township Fire Department in Brighton, Mich., he can be found in his commercial-grade kitchen crafting wedding cakes and other delicate confections. Pastry chef and firefighter—the two professions seem complete opposites. But Rollison's firefighting experience—talking people through tense, confusing situations—makes him a natural at calming nervous brides and grooms as they try to decide on the perfect cake. "Often they don't know what they're looking for," he explains. "I try to keep it simple for them by offering eight flavors instead of hundreds." As far as other firefighters giving him grief over his prowess with pastry, it doesn't happen. "They know not to tease me," laughs Rollison. "If they do, I won't bring them any samples."

To find out more about Kory Rollison and his Wedding Cake Art and Design Center, go to www.weddingcakeartanddesigncenter.com or call (810) 229-5790.

By Kristen Gough, a food writer in Canton, Mich.

Kory’s Carrot Cake

White Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing tops this impressive three-layer cake.

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