Bodega Bakes is a love letter to pastry chef and activist Paola Velez’s Dominican heritage and NYC roots. This book contains more than 100 recipes for tortas, cookies, brownies, frozen treats, and other baked goods that burst with the flavors of her life.  The recipes in this book feature Paola’s renditions of traditional Dominican desserts such as Guava & Cheese Pastelitos and Tres Leches Cake, as well as unique twists on classic American treats such as Plantain Sticky Buns, “Everything on the Bodega Shelf” Brownies, and Paola’s viral “Thick’ems,” which combine the best of a crispy cookie and the delicious gooey parts of a soft cookie. Designed to be accessible to bakers of all levels (and those who shop at their corner store), the book also includes a “Trip to the Bodega” pantry section, along with Paola’s pro tips for success even with even the most modest equipment.   Each recipe is a testament to Paola’s passion, skill, and connection to her background, inviting the reader to recreate the magic of bodega treasures in their homes. The photography and design is bright, playful, joyous, bursting with color—a reflection of Paola's own uniquely vibrant personality.