CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Andersonville resident Lauren Ocello has been the star of what she described as a “one-woman show” ever since she started making and selling Twidley Bits in 2019.
“And my tag line for that is: The extras that make life’s moments extraordinary,” she said.
As far as what “twidley bits” are, Ocello explained that while her culinary offerings won’t fill up the plate, they do provide a tasty supplement to any meal.
“So, I do jams, I do fruit butters, I do pickles, and I do vegan cheeses,” Ocello said. “All of the fun things on the charcuterie board — you know, all those little, fun twidley bits — the extra goodies.”
She told WBBM that, as a French Pastry School alumna and a vegan, she was inspired by the lack of flavorful alternatives to animal-based products in the Chicago market.
“I was very shocked to find that there were no garden-veggie cream cheese options, which is just ridiculous to me because we’re vegans; give us the vegetables,” Ocello said.
Ocello said that the consumer response has made her business venture profitable and added that her vegan jams, spreads, butters and cheeses have been appealing to all.
“Whether they’re vegan, vegetarian or omnivorous,” she said.
Related
Although Ocello doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar shop, she said she’s been preparing Twidley Bits in a mixed-use space in the former site of Edgewater’s Helix Cafe. Her product is sold in several retail stores, can be found in local restaurants and cafes. Ocello said she also sells Twidley Bits at local farmer’s markets, where she sources many of her ingredients.
“I’ve got good relationships with several of the farm stands, so I’m happy to work with them,” Ocello said.
Ocello said products bought on the Twidley Bits website can be shipped nationwide and even around the world.
“They are all vegan, the pickles, fruit butters and jams all come in jars, whereas the vegan cheeses all come in 8-ounce tubs for the ricottas or cream cheeses, or 3-ounce logs for the different types of stuff,” she said.
Twidley Bits, Made In Chicago.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!