New Dessert Company, Grandma Toste Launches in Naperville

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - June 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Today, Lou Toste O'Brien is announcing her new company, Grandma Toste and its product line, a selection of Italian desserts. The company, named after O'Brien's mother, Christina Toste, sells authentic Italian cannoli filling and dessert kits crafted from family recipes at high-end grocery stores across the Chicagoland area.  
Grandma Toste brings authentic Italian desserts to kitchens across Chicago with Grandma Toste's homemade cannoli filling. The light and creamy filling follows the traditional Toste family recipe and has a bright lemony zest. The cream can be used as a filling for many desserts, including cakes, tortes, cannoli, fillo cups, mini tarts, chocolate cups or strawberries. The Grandma Toste kitchen also offers complete dessert kits to make cream filled mini tarts, cannoli and filo tarts at home. In addition, Grandma Toste now offers cannoli chips to dip in their cannoli filling - a unique treat for casual parties! An avid entertainer, O'Brien started Grandma Toste's to give party hosts a delicious and simple solution for authentic Italian desserts.

Though this is a new business, it is not O'Brien's first venture. She grew up in her parent's bakery Finesse Bakery in Boston and later their Italian restaurant, Christina's in Forest Park. She started her own business, La Finesse, Inc. a salon and beauty company in 1970. During her forty years in that role she oversaw the brand's seven salons, growing staff, and the creation of their own cosmetic, hair, and skincare product lines.

"I had intended to retire in 2005, but I think I am just a born entrepreneur.  My family has always revolved around our business ventures and the recipes that bring us together, Grandma Toste is the perfect way for me to combine those passions and share those recipes with everyone," O'Brien said.

Grandma Toste's can currently be found in Casey's Foods in Naperville and Western Springs, Brookhaven Marketplace at the Burr Ridge, Darien and Mokena locations, From Scratch Marketplace in La Grange, Chipain's Finer Foods in Lemont, Prisco's Fine Foods in Aurora, Garden Fresh Market in Naperville and Lincoln Park Market in Chicago. Her cannoli filling is also used in the desserts at the Naperville Country Club.

As part of the product launch, O'Brien will be sampling her products in local grocery stores and sharing her recipe ideas. The all natural, preservative-free handmade cannoli filling comes in a 16 oz. container for $9.95. The kits to make mini tarts, cannoli and filo tarts also retail for $9.95 each.   For more information visit http://www.GrandmaToste.com/