NYC Bakeries; No Boys Allowed

Holidays are quickly approaching, don't show up to the party empty handed. For delicious pies, cakes, and cookies, these are your three girls. Meet the amazing women currently dominating the NYC baking scene.

Meital Cohen, Westville

Westville is New York's original veggie-centric restaurant. Go to any of their six locations to dine on a rainbow of fresh produce, chicken, and fish, and then splurge on dessert. Westville's Head Pastry Chef and ICC graduate, Meital Cohen, runs an all-female pastry team run out of the basement of the Chelsea location. Inspired by her grandmother's recipes that she learned growing up, Meital puts a personal, homemade touch into Westville's desserts. They're perfect for enjoying after dinner, taking to go, or ordering through Westville's wholesale menu. Not to miss: The Heaven Cake - an ode to Meital's grandma's unbaked cheesecake. Layers of cheesecake, moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate pastry cream, vanilla cream, all layered on a crunchy shortbread crust.

Crystal Hanks, Empire Diner

Crystal Hanks, previously of BLT, has just made her way to Empire Diner, the newly renovated New York landmark dining cart in Chelsea. The diner, a 20th century staple, has made its appearance in Woody Allen films and Men in Black alike, and now is under the direction of restauranteur John DeLucie. As Executive Pastry Chef, Crystal provides the cherry on top with signature desserts. Be sure to try the coconut cake or one of her fruity pebble milkshakes.

Dianna Daoheung, BlackSeed Bagels

The East Village's BlackSeed Bagels serves up some of the most unique (and delicious) bagels in NYC. The style is a mix of Montreal meets New York, but the perfection is all Dianna Dauheung. Never burnt, never raw, BlackSeed makes something as simple as a bagel artisanal. Be sure to try the ever raw almond butter, so fresh that it's a smear of crushed nuts.