Jessica Chiantella Henry

My Orange Blossom & Citrus cookie is 100% me: floral, citrusy, tart, & soft. A great cookie is surprisingly difficult to perfect & that’s exactly why I’ve spent many years developing & sharing cookie recipes: I love a challenge. A big, gorgeous cookie feels like the best capper to a great meal or party; & as Prue Leith says, it has to be worth the calories!

There are so many women who have had an influence on my love of baking. My mom made sure I had fun, creative experiences in the kitchen from a very young age & bought me supplies & cookbooks. Nigella Lawson was the first chef I remember truly idolizing (& still do), & Stella Parks’ work invited me to up my game & learn about the chemistry of baking. Locally, I’m so inspired by Carlena Davis & Paola Velez, who generously offer recipes & baking wisdom!

Gingersnap Jess Gourmet Cookies is on the verge of expansion into wholesale & nationwide shipping, & this prize would be a huge boost to my tiny company to secure affordable kitchen space, custom packaging, & finally hire an assistant to help me. (I currently bake hundreds of cookies each week by myself after my full-time job). Every small business owner I know works so hard to keep going & for me, getting to the next level would allow me to dedicate myself full time to baking.