Bill Yosses to leave White House kitchen staff

WASHINGTON, March 19 (UPI) -- Bill Yosses, the executive pastry chef at the White House, is leaving his post to teach children and adults about eating better in New York City.

Yosses, who was hired by former first lady Laura Bush in 2007, was inspired by Michelle Obama to create healthier food options at the White House, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

Obama asked Yosses to make more healthful desserts, and in smaller portions, that were served sparingly to her family.

"She has done it with humor and good will, without preaching, just the way you would hope the 'Mom in chief' would do," Yosses said, calling Obama "definitely an inspiring boss, a combination of spontaneity and seriousness."

Yosses said he has not given up completely on his former way of cooking.

"I don't want to demonize cream, butter, sugar and eggs," he said.

"For special, nostalgic occasions, we still make 20 percent traditional desserts," Yosses said. "Coconut cake with seven-minute frosting, lemon steamed pudding with layers of custard, mousse and cake, sticky toffee pudding, and every kind of chocolate dessert possible."

Yosses, 60, will remain at the White House until June, at which point he will move to New York City to teach culinary arts with an emphasis on healthier fare.

"Food knowledge should be part of a complete curriculum," he said. "We used to learn about food as a part of everyday growing up, but I think we've lost that. I think it has a place in schools."

In a statement, the first lady said she was "incredibly sad to see Bill Yosses go."

"I am also so grateful to him for his outstanding work, not just as the White House pastry chef, producing the most delectable creations for everything from birthday celebrations to state visits, but also as a key partner helping us get the White House kitchen garden off the ground and building a healthier future for our next generation. I wish Bill and his husband, Charlie, all the best in their future endeavors," Obama said.