We’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes today—host Jessie Sheehan’s interview with Paola Velez, pastry chef and co-founder of Bakers Against Racism, the global bake sale that raised over $2.5 million for social justice causes. She’s also the author of “Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store.”

Paola joins host Jessie Sheehan to talk all about her book, which she describes as a love letter to both her Dominican heritage and her New York City roots. She shares stories about her childhood growing up in the Bronx, visiting her local bodega and the Stella D’oro factory, and how her mom’s love for Guy Fieri inspired her plantain sticky buns. Then, the duo walk through Paola’s recipe for the buns, which she has become quite known for. 

Click here for Paola’s Plantain Sticky Buns recipe.

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More on Paola: Instagram, Bakers Against Racism, website, “Bodega Bakes” cookbook
More on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes" cookbook