Lauren Katz

Lauren Katz is the Head Pastry Chef at The Difference Baker in Ashburn, VA and a DC area native. The Difference Baker specializes in gluten-free and allergen-friendly baked goods. Lauren Is best known for winning the first season of ABC’s “Great American Baking Show” and has competed in over 50 cooking competitions across the country, such as The Pillsbury Bake Off, Build a Better Burger, The Gilroy Garlic Festival, and World Food Championships. She has appeared on The Kitchen, Good Morning America, Great Day Washington, ABC’s Great Holiday Baking Show, and Pickler and Ben. Her recipes have been featured in Food Network Magazine, Woman’s Day, Cooking Light, Louisiana Cooking, and Taste of Home magazines.  Lauren received her BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University, and loves to use her artistic skills and creativity in her cooking and baking.