MasterChef interview: Jennifer Williams on intense episode, elimination

Wednesday night’s new episode of MasterChef was arguably the most dramatic one of the season and for many reasons. You had a very intense team challenge, conflict leading into the Pressure Test, and then a showdown between Yachecia Holston and Jennifer Williams all about fish and chips. It was depicted as a pretty close battle, but in the end, Jennifer was sent home.

In our latest email exit interview (check out some others from eliminated contestants here), Jennifer reflects on what happened in that episode and what she’s up to now.

CarterMatt – Are you happy with the way you got to leave the show on a pretty high note with the tartar sauce and the fries?

I’m definitely happy! I went against an amazing person and a great competitor. I could feel the love in the room when I left. I love all those people. They are now my family. At least I can put on my resume I make d–n good tartar sauce!

What’s it like competing in that sort of super-intense pressure test with so many people watching your every move?

I think it’s obvious by now I do not like pressure tests. Pressure tests always made me super anxiety-ridden. I was my own worst enemy but I have learned to take a deep breath. I just tell myself it’s just food!

Who do you think that Yachecia should have chosen to compete against in the Pressure Test?

The only person that I can think that might have deserved to be in the pressure test was Jeff. Not because he’s a weak chef, but during the restaurant takeover he was very hot-headed and wasn’t listening. I thought she was going to possibly choose him because he basically took over the team without just trying to fix what he started.

Do you think that the Blue Team would have won had you stayed on the same station the whole team challenge?

Yes, I definitely think if I had stayed on eggs we would have won. We were doing great in the beginning when I was with Reba on eggs. I think because Yachecia thought I was a weak competitor I wasn’t allowed to make any type of mistake. I get it, there were eyes on me, but I asked to be put back on eggs several times after being taken off.

What was your proudest moment in the kitchen?

My proudest moment was when I was in the top 3 for the mystery box challenge. It was all so new to me and I truly listened to my instinct. I was happy I could showcase my cooking style to the world!

You talked about wanting to take Aaron [Sanchez] up on his offer on the show. What are you up to now?

He’s an amazing chef and person, and I’m so grateful that he offered that amazing opportunity to me. I have a lot I’m working towards, like a food truck I’m starting in Charleston. I would love to take Chef Aarón’s offer, but my husband is currently in the Navy and I would like to stay where my husband stays. Although I was the Louisiana girl on MasterChef, my home is wherever Landon is, and unfortunately, we may not be in New Orleans for a while.

If you missed our review of last night’s episode…

You can check that out now over here! Stay tuned for more MasterChef coverage soon. (Photo: Fox.)