MasterChef interview: Yachecia Holston talks season performance, viewer reaction

To say that we considered Yachecia Holston to be a contender in the MasterChef kitchen for most of the season would be an understatement. We considered her at one point to be our favorite to win the whole thing! Sadly, she was one of two home cooks eliminated (along with Jeff) on the first hour of last week’s episode.

So what did she have to say about her overall experience, her high points, and what some people at her church thought about her performance in the kitchen? We were eager to learn about all of this going into our latest exit interview.

CarterMatt – You had a lot of really strong moments this season, so was there ever a point you considered yourself a favorite to win?

Yachecia – I did think I was in the running to at least make the finale after my gazpacho! The inspiration from my daughter was so encouraging and it really did re-energize me! Also, when I was in the top 3 for Shawn’s mystery box.

Even if it was in the same episode you were eliminated in, how special was it for you to have your daughter there to see you and for you to have that shared experience?

Being away from my family for 3 months was tough to say the least. Treasure is my first born, so her being there was very similar to the joy I had holding her the first time!

You had a number of different moments this season where you had really intense showdowns / Pressure Tests with other contestants. How do you keep yourself focused in that sort of stress?

PRAYER, PRAYER and more PRAYER! I really prayed throughout each battle to stay focused and not to forget anything! Those pressure test were brutal. However, I’m such a better person and cook because of them. Pressure is what produces diamonds!

What’s been the reaction to you being on the show at church?

The church community and large had been amazing. The love and support that has been shown has made me feel wonderful. It’s also been funny to see church people get so riled up when I had a tough episode :)

Is there anything you wish you’d changed about your salmon dish last night?

YES. I wish I would have kept it simple with a couscous and the citrus creme fraiche that I made and a fennel slaw. The honey just over caramelized. Once I saw that I allowed myself to deflate and I never recovered.

What do you want your future in food to be?

I LOVE cooking for families. I’m going to continue as a private chef with hopes of still opening that small Bistro someday.

Did you see our MasterChef interview with Jeff?

If you haven’t, you can head over to the link here to read more of what he had to say about this season as a whole. (Photo: Fox.)