The MasterChef Kitchen was no walk in the park, explained Vernon home cook and MasterChef Canada contestant Jennifer Innis. The stress was overwhelming, the time constraints were intimidating, and the stakes were high.
Following her elimination from the popular culinary show, Innis discussed her experience on MasterChef Canada with KelownaNow, delving into what’s next on her culinary journey.
Leaving MasterChef Canada was a devastating blow, but as Innis said, it was also a bit of a relief.
“Having spent a lot of time away from home, it was just nice to get back to my normal routine and to my girls,” explained Innis.
Aside from missing her family, Innis said the MasterChef Kitchen was an incredibly exhausting experience.
“There are so many factors fighting against you all at the same time,” said Innis. “When you’re at home, you can just start the clock over, but in the MasterChef Canada kitchen, you only get one chance. You screw it up, you’re going home.”
Reflecting on the challenge that led to her elimination, Innis said things starting unravelling at the last minute.
“When the cream wouldn’t whip, I knew my fate was sealed,” added Innis as she discussed Sunday evening’s episode.
Although Innis has garnered a reputation as a great baker, the challenge was not panning out in her favour and in the end, a few missed steps coupled with some plain-old-fashioned bad luck landed her in front of the judges for elimination.
Photo credit: MasterChef Canada via Jennifer Innis Instagram.
It might not be in the MasterChef Canada kitchen, but Innis is still busy following her food dreams.
Although she didn’t take home the MasterChef Canada title, along with a $100,000 reward, she did learn a plethora of tips and techniques that will push her culinary abilities to the next level.
“I’m always learning and I’m always wanting to build upon my skills,” commented Innis.
From the unforgettable opportunity of working with renowned chef Claudio Aprile to the priceless feedback provided from the MasterChef Canada judges, the valuable lessons learned were worth the experience in itself.
In hindsight, there are a few items that Innis would have tweaked or changed if given the opportunity, but at the end of the day, the competition is not about holding onto regrets.
“You learn from the experience,” added Innis. “I was able to fine-tune some of my dishes and build upon them. For example, now I don’t overcook my proteins, my flavour profiles are more polished, and my plating skills are much better.”
Caption: Jennifer Innis uses the skills she's learned in the MasterChef Kitchen at home. Photo credit: Instagram.
Since returning home from her time on MasterChef Canada, Innis said she’s been busy with a number of community engagement projects—participating in the Lumby Lumberjack cook off as well as gearing up for a cooking demonstration with Davidson Orchards.
Hoping to increase her marketing skills, Innis would like to eventually open up her own grilled cheese truck.
She might not have won the MasterChef Canada title, but we haven't heard the last of Vernon home cook, Jennifer Innis.
“It’s just been a lot of fun and I hope this won’t be the last time Canada gets to see what I can do,” concluded Innis.
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