TisF Finds Decadent Desserts!
Tawny Ong loves southern homemade comfort desserts. Though traditionally heavy and very sweet, Tawny has perfected and created her own versions of light, fluffy, moist and not-too-sweet but just right southern desserts using the best ingredients such as Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, Valrhona Dutch Cocoa, Philadelphia Cream Cheese and lots of love while going organic wherever she can with eggs, butter, milk, cream, fruits, carrots...you get the picture.
Cupcakes tend to put smiles on people's faces. And that's what native New Yorker Tawny Ong loves about baking them. One small challenge...She didn't quite know how to bake!
So one winter day after visiting and tasting cupcakes from all the best known NY bakeries, one just happened to have a help wanted sign. That bakery was Magnolia - a New York staple for cupcakes and baked goods. She filled out an application on the spot, and the next day officially began her career in baking. She's also attended the Institute of Culinary Education and still keeps in touch with her mentor Chef Kathryn Gordon. Learning from some of the best, she quickly worked her way up to from icer to baker to assistant manager.
Tawny then began catering on her own and has steadily grown a loyal following throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Her classic desserts like mini cupcakes, classic cupcakes, banana pudding, and icebox cake have graced events both intimate and grand. She's even catered for Mayor Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion!
TisF caught up with the Dessert Queen in NYC.
What is your idea of Fabulous?
TO: My idea of fabulous is simple...To always remember to have fun and smile. A smile is the easiest way to make yourself and those around you feel good.
Who is the most Fabulous person you know?
TO: The most fabulous person I know...If I had to pick just one, would be my mother. She is an entrepreneur herself, came to NYC at age 23 and never looked back. She has guts, integrity, vision and the ability to execute. She's the sweetest woman ever and is ridiculously business savvy!...and she does it all w/ a smile;)
Which Fabulous word do you use most?
TO: Yum!
What is your greatest (most Fabulous) extravagance?
TO: My extravagance is time...lol. Going out to a nice dinner and being served. Each moment with friends and family is very precious to me.
Where would you like or prefer to live your Fabulous life?
TO: Right where I am...in NYC!
What is your (Fabulous) motto?
TO: "Live life one cupcake at a time!"
What do you consider your greatest (most Fabulous) achievement?
TO: I would like to think that the best is yet to come ...For now, I would have to say the opportunity to cater for the Mayor at Gracie Mansion, being in Fashion Week, my wedding cake being featured in Time Out NY are pretty fabulous achievements. I only started my business in May 2008. The power of word of mouth is fabulous!
For more information about these decadent deserts please visit: http://tawnyong.com
Photography courtesy of Tawny Ong.
