MasterChef Junior interview: Winner Jasmine Stewart on her journey, what’s next
So what was this journey like from Jasmine’s perspective? In the interview below, she describes her highs and lows, how she fought back from elimination, and what some of her hopes are for the future. We previously interviewed Jasmine earlier this season, so you can also check that one out over at the link here.
CarterMatt – Congratulations! What was it like watching your win back on TV?
Thank you so much! Watching the finale on TV was very intense. I was excited but just as nervous as everyone else who didn’t know the outcome. We had a huge viewing party at our church, and when they said I won, everyone went crazy! It was so cool and I was thankful for all the support.
How hard has it been keeping this a secret?
It’s been extremely difficult to keep this secret. I just had to train myself to say, ‘keep watching.’ This was especially hard when I went home, and everyone was sad, and trying to encourage me. I appreciate everyone just being excited and understanding that I couldn’t talk about what was going to happen next.
After being eliminated, how do you muster up the confidence to keep fighting and work your way back on top?
I told myself that I only have one opportunity to show the judges that I’m serious about this competition, and that I want to win. I told myself if you’re not going to fight to stay, then leave, because there are other kids who want it. That helped me to never get comfortable and work super hard on every dish I presented. The more I put out the best dishes I could, the better I felt about my chances and the more I focused.
Is there one dish over the course of the season that you’re proudest of?
Well, I would say I am super proud of the whole 3 course dinner I made for the finale but I would say I was most proud of my jerk spiced lobster tail with a coconut curry broth, and my sticky rum cake. I was also really proud of the macarons I made. Honestly, I was just excited and proud that the judges got to taste my food.
What was the biggest challenge of executing in the finale?
I would say the biggest challenge was focusing. I had my family yelling trying to make sure I did my best. I had the large crowd of people cheering for both Justise and I, and of course, there was the clock ticking down. I had to focus on my meal and also answer the judges questions at the same time. It’s hard not to be star struck with Gordon Ramsay, Christina Tosi, Martha Stewart, and Wolfgang Puck in front of you while you cook!!
What sort of food are you interested in making coming out of the show?
There’s not one specific type of food I’m interested in making, I have to say that I’m interested in making all different types of foods now. The show introduced me to different types of cultures, foods, and techniques and I want to try them all. I believe that I have better skills because of the show and can’t wait to use them.
Ultimately, what is your food dream and what do you want to do in order to achieve it?
I would love to have a cookbook and a food blog so I can share my food choices and recipes with others around the world. I hope to achieve it by continuing to perfect my favorite dishes, learning how to make new ones, and practicing. My mom is helping me figure out how to get started but for now, I’m just writing as much as I can. I would love to cook for Mrs. Obama or Beyonce one day, how cool would that be?
What advice would you have for future contestants, whether it be for MasterChef Junior or the adult show?
I would tell them to not be nervous, and go for it – don’t be afraid to take risks. Make food that represents you and your tastes, and food that you really put your heart and soul into, because that’s the best type of food. Finally, to never get comfortable and always work hard and do your best, it is competition after all. I would also say to remember that there is your regular life after the show so have fun and treat the other contestants how you would like to be treated.
More MasterChef Junior coverage
Remember that you can get some further news when it comes to this overall season by visiting the link here right now! (Photo: Fox.)