Valerie Gordon is a celebrated chocolatier, chef, and entrepreneur whose creative vision has elevated Los Angeles-based Valerie Confections into one of the country’s most respected confectionery brands. Her 2013 cookbook, Sweet, was a James Beard award finalist, and her recreation of the iconic Blum’s Coffee Crunch Cake has gained national popularity. Valerie has been featured in countless top-tier media outlets, has served as a judge on Netflix and Food Network cooking shows, and has parlayed her passion for barbecue into an MC role at Alisal Ranch’s BBQ Bootcamp and becoming a Live Fire Cooking Resident at Food52. Valerie is one of L.A.’s most well-known food personalities, a trusted tastemaker, and an avid supporter of AAPI causes and fellow small business owners. Follow her @valerieconfctns and subscribe to her Substack Hi Gang for exclusive recipes.

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