Is it a cake or a muffin?

Bandra resident Sonali Gonsalves whips up cupcakes stuffed with fresh fruit, not frosting. Must try: the Eclair Cupcake

Bandra resident Sonali Gonsalves whips up cupcakes stuffed with fresh fruit, not frosting. Must try: The Eclair Cupcake

It was while studying for a masters degree in commerce that Sonali Gonsalves decided she'd take up weekend private classes -- not to be coached in math, but to learn baking. The 22 year-old began baking goodies from her Bandra home in January this year, and she's already something of a dessert celeb. "Friends and people who've checked out my Facebook page, call or message me. I usually text them my menu, they pick from options available and I then get on with my baking," she says. While her mum helps out in the kitchen, brother Nikhil takes care of 'promotions', and dad is the pillar of support.


Sonali Gonsalves' Fresh Strawberry in a Dark Chocolate Cuffin (bottom
left) comes with a white chocolate topping

Gonsalves also bakes cuffins; dubbed so because they are a cross between a cupcake and a muffin. For cuffins, she avoids frosting because it gets a little too sweet. "I make fresh fruit fillings instead. That way you can eat a lot more, and they are healthier."

Gonsalves, who currently manages the operations on her own, says she hasn't thought about putting together a team, though she might consider getting a helper on board soon, she tells us as she's busyu00a0 "putting together a couple of batches of cuffins for a work party that's being organised at Cuffe Parade today."

From the cupcakes, Gonsalves recommends the Apple Cinnamon, a must-try classic. Other flavours up for grabs are Coconut, Almond, Date & Walnut (eggless), Strawberry White Chocolate Vanilla, White Chocolate and the Eclair Cupcake. "The Eclair is my favourite. It's just really, really yum," Gonsalves says, pursing her lips.

To place an order, call two days in advance at 9820781209 or 26416371. The cupcakes come in batches of 12 (Rs 300 and Rs 400)

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