Tom Smallwood says Spring Baking Championship twists are this, interview

On Spring Baking Championship Season 8, Tom Smallwood has made his presence known in the first couple of challenges. While there might have been a touch of glitter flying in the kitchen, his desserts have shined in the judges’ eyes. This talented baker is staking his claim to the coveted Food Network title.

As seen on Spring Baking Championship, Tom Smallwood has a wide breath of knowledge and talent. Having worked with Magnolia Bakery and Ron Ben-Israel Treats, the baker appreciates that a well-conceived dessert is rooted in strong technique.

When asked if he thought that his background would give him an advantage in the Food Network competition, Tom said, “Oh gosh, I hope so. However, I think everyone’s background is quite strong, so I think it is anyone’s game. It is just like when I was competing in college, it just depends who shows up. Also, the clock and the twists are a great equalizer.”

Even though the competition is up for grabs, it is far from easy. Tom said, “That clock and countdown is the hardest part of the whole thing. You have to come up with a concept fast, stick with it, and think you can accomplish everything in that time. Not to mention you need enough time to decorate. Also those twists, though they aren’t time consuming, they still take time away from your original plan. With baking, the cooling down time is such a crazy factor because you don’t know when the cake will be cold enough for you to work with it. If you haven’t compromised at least two times during a challenge, you haven’t done it right!”

Even though there might be a compromise, or two, Tom and the other Spring Baking Championship bakers need to balance flavor and presentation. Although Nancy Fuller wants to see Springtime on the plate, the judges do more than eat with their eyes.

Tom believes, “I think flavor will always win, or at least I hope so. Presentation is sometimes my weakest skill so I always give the most focus to texture, flavor, and composition.”

Whether or not the dessert is picture perfect, the Springtime flavors need to be celebrated. For Tom, he says “spring desserts scream fresh herbs and fun flavor combos. I love lavender and vanilla, praline and lemon, or Earl Grey and blueberry. Fruit tarts are always a good start to the season.”

But, those flavors cannot be muddled. Given that the judges have exceptional palates, there is no hiding imbalanced flavors.

According to Tom, the hardest judge to please is Duff. Tom said, “I feel like he picks out that one thing you totally didn’t think about and puts it on blast. Nancy has an eye for the overall finished product and Kardea really tries to understand the total concept. I love them all honestly. Their critiques are never mean or hateful. You can tell that they enjoy the whole process just like us. My biggest struggle was decorating. I feel like the last 10 minutes I always had to cram about an hour worth of decorating in because I just took too much time on my flavor components.”

Although few food television fans will be able to compete in this Food Network competition, the challenge can be the inspiration for some creations in the home kitchen. When asked, Tom had some easy to master ideas for any home baker.

Tom recommends, trying something that you like. “ I think a great way to start is to make your own jam. It is only about 4 ingredients and you can wow someone very easily. That jam can go in a cake, flavor a buttercream, go in a cupcake or a tart, or simply be served with some toast. Also, if you are gifting the jam, anything you make will make someone’s day because it shows that you care.”

Sticking to foods and flavors that make you smile is important. Tom’s favorite desserts are “anything with peanut butter or coffee. There is a French cake called an Opera cake that I could down anytime, anywhere!”

But, there is one dessert that he would refuse to eat. He said, “this may be controversial but a brownie sundae. I think it is just played out and usually that brownie is rock hard if it wasn’t heated.”

Hopefully, there are no brownie sundaes on Spring Baking Championship Season 8. Be sure to watch Tom and the other Food Network bakers Mondays at 8 p.m. or stream the food television show on Discovery+.

Tom Smallwood is the head of Culinary Development and Training at Magnolia Bakery.