As Women’s History Month comes to an end, 17 Berkshire is reflecting on the women who influenced us to be great and dream big in the dessert-making world. Here are our Top 5 Favorite Bakers that we think everyone should know and appreciate:
CREDIT: PHOTO BY ALEX LAU
Samin Nosrat: You may know her from the deliciously entertaining Netflix Series "Salt Acid Fat Heat", but did you know that Samin Nosrat is also a New York Times Best Selling Cookbook Author, Teacher, Podcast Host, and James Beard Award-winning chef? Her curious approach to food and bubbly personality reels us in every time we watch her doing her thing. Bonus, we loved her episode on "Waffles and Mochi" on Netflix!
CREDIT: COURTESY OF MILK BAR / WINNIE AU
Christina Tosi: Owner and Pastry Chef behind the now-iconic bakery "Milk Bar". Tosi's rise to fame is a result of hard work and going the extra mile. Her fire and passion to go above and beyond and exceed others’ expectations are qualities we truly admire. We love her simple ingredient approach to baking that has the perfect touch of childhood nostalgia.
CREDIT: PHOTO BY ALEX LAU
Paola Velez: Colorful, Quirky, and not afraid to stand up for racial justice. Paola Velez is one of the founders of "Bakers Against Racism". This award-wining Afro-Pastry chef is someone to keep an eye on, especially if you are a chef looking for inspiring “think outside the box” stories to motivate you. Her Instagram posts are colorful and entertaining and she is a true example of what speaking up and showing up looks like in everyday ways.
CREDIT: PHOTO BY MELISSA HOM
Kerry Diamond: We listen to a *lot* of podcasts in the kitchen and "Radio Cherry Bombe" is in our top rotations. Originally a biannual Magazine, "Cherry Bombe" is dedicated to highlighting women in and around the food industry. Her podcast has introduced us to so many fascinating new women in food and her magazine is beautiful enough to leave out on display. Cherry Bombe is now also a cookbook - a great gift for aspiring chefs!
CREDIT: DAN PEREZ/PHAIDON PRESS
Reem Kassis: Reem is a two-time cookbook Author (The Palestinian Table and The Arabesque Table), winner of both the Guild of Food Writers Award and The Gourmand World Cookbook Award and a James Beard nominee. Her work discusses the overlaps in food, politics, and history. As a Palestinian baker myself, I am always thrilled to see other Palestinian women represented in the media.
There are *so* many other wildly inspiring female chefs out there, and in our own city! Who are your favorites?
We're proud to be a female-owned and operated business, and we're so grateful for all the support we've seen over the years since we opened. The only way for women in this industry--and all other industries--will be able to thrive and be successful is for all of us to lift each other up every chance we get. Be sure to continue supporting women-owned businesses today and every day!