I had the pleasure of meeting Jessamyn Waldman, founder of Hot Bread Kitchen, at a restaurant in Carroll Gardens on a cold winter night last year. When I learned about her venture, I was instantly warmed by her passion and vision. This week’s Baking Friday prize will offer a taste of that passion to two winners.

Hot Bread Kitchen is no ordinary bakery as it is a non-profit with two extraordinary goals: to produce a range of organic ethnic breads that reflects the diversity of New York City; and to teach the female immigrants they hire valuable job skills that will help them grow. I admire Jessamyn for founding an organization that embraces the ethnic diversity of our city through its products and for giving immigrant women the opportunity to better their lives with practical skills.

Made with traditional techniques and recipes, the baked goods at Hot Bread Kitchen range from European staples, such as baguettes, focaccia and multi-grain loaves, to authentic corn tortillas and fine lavash.

Thank you, Jessamyn and the Hot Bread Kitchen team for making great breads and making a difference! We hope more businesses will choose to make a difference in our community and culinary culture.

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