Yummy! Cheesecake anyone? Marva Thompson, owner of Oven Delight, shows off a delectable cheesecake. - photos by Ian Allen/Staff PhotographerKeisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter
For Marva Thompson baking was just a hobby that has now matured into a new career path.
Mrs. Thompson was an insurance underwriter for the past 23 years, but after the company clasped she decided to transform her hobby into a business. During that time, she usually baked a Christmas cake for friends and co-workers' birthdays. Over the years, she got rave reviews on her baking so she thought - why not give it a try? In 1997 she went to the University of Technology to study baking technology and catering. Subsequently, she did a course in sugar craft with Clara Johnson, who has a culinary school in Canada.
From 2002 to 2004, she taught food preparation at Girl's Town, which is now the Professional Development Institute. Between 2004 and 2006, she taught catering and food preparation at Jan's School of Catering in Kingston. Her love for baking and the great reviews gave her the boost to enter several Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) local and professional competitions. She won three gold, four silver and one bronze medals. In 2005, she won gold in the JCDC professional competition for her wedding cake.
Loved the kitchen
Mrs. Thompson told Food that as a young girl, she loved the kitchen. She collected recipes then and has continued to even to this day. "I always cut recipes from books and the newspaper then try them out, adding my own touch," she said.
Though she loves baking, she said she prefers sugar crafting because she has a passion for decorating. "Even if I don't bake the cake, people always ask me to do the decorations." She said it takes patience to work with sugar craft because it is a long process. Plus, you have to be artistic because when making the decorations, for example flowers, you have to make them so they look real. But, she also depends a lot on her husband, Carlton for artistic advice because he is into artistry.
On April 27, she opened a bakery, Oven Delight at Shop # 2, Kingslyn Avenue in St. Andrew, catering to the needs of those with a sweet tooth. She also serves scrumptious and healthy sandwiches. And if you want to cool off on a hot day, delicious smoothies are also available. If you are a banana bread lover, then Mrs. Thompson's banana bread is a must try.
Soft, scrumptious, oh so delicious banana bread courtesy of Mrs. Marva Thompson, owner of Oven Delight.