When the global recession forced Yudith Zer-Aviv out of her job in marketing and advertising, she made a drastic career switch and took a pastry-making course.

Finding that jobs were hard to come by for pastry chefs as well, she continued her studies in Germany and England. Back home in Israel she decided to try her luck in a marzipan contest, and to her surprise won first prize. Next, the team of Israeli chefs of which she was a member won a gold medal in Moscow.

Zer-Aviv, who immigrated to Israel from Switzerland with her family as a child, now has her own business as a pastry and dessert chef and also offers classes in her home.

Recently, along with eight European pastry chefs, Zer-Aviv was invited to Rimini, Italy to participate in the 'Delicious and Famous Show,' where she sculpted a Fendi-inspired hat, bracelet and handbag, using marzipan.