Tawny Ong

Expert Interview: Tawny Ong

Behind the Baker

What were your favorite foods growing up?
Take-out.

When did you decide you wanted to be a baker?
I was out walking and followed my nose right into a bakery. I looked around and decided that this is what I wanted to do. Quit my job and started working in a bakery the next day serving coffee!

How did your experience at Magnolia shape your career?
I learned how to bake in volume and see how to handle all the good, the bad and the ugly that can happen on a day-to-day basis.

Where and when did your career in food begin?
Since birth...lol. It's like family, friends and food...what more do you need?

If you didn't become a baker, what would you be? Unhappy...I love what I do and can't imagine doing anything else ;)

Who/what has shaped your baking the most over the years?
Definitely my clients have been the most influence. They basically help shape my menu and got me into the wedding business.

What is different and/or special about your desserts? I love southern comfort desserts though always thought they were traditionally heavy and sweet. My twist on them was to create my own versions of light and fluffy not --too-sweet but just right southern desserts using the best ingredients I can find and lots of love.

What are your favorite ingredients to bake with?
I think my secret weapon is Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla.

What do you love about baking cupcakes?
I love it when they come out perfect right out of the oven. It's very rewarding. Then when I cater and see people enjoying the desserts as much as I did baking them.Cupcakes really do put smiles on people's faces ;)

Have you catered any special events?
I catered several times for Mayor Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion, New York Fashion Week and for Lady Gaga's Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall.

What is your favorite food?
Pizza.

What is your favorite beverage/dessert pairing?
I love anything chocolate w/ a good cup of coffee...perfection.

What was your worst baking disaster?
Let's just say...I could be wearing a spacesuit and still manage to burn myself...I have a lot of burn marks ;)

What is special about your wedding cakes?
See #7.

What is your favorite dessert?
I love ice cream ;)

< PREVIOUS EXPERT NEXT EXPERT >

Share This >

Login to comment

Expert Profile

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. Cupcakes tend to put smiles on people's faces. And that's what the native New Yorker loves about baking them.
How did it all start? Unhappy working in finance, Tawny walked into a bakery that 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 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!