Chef Dorian Hunter, MasterChef Season 10 Winner ~ A Twitter Interview
It was a great pleasure to have Chef Dorian Hunter guest host Diva Foodies #FoodTVChat tweet chat guest last month. Although at the time of the chat we didn’t know Chef Dorian’s life was about to change we did know that her skills and talents were taking this gracious lady to the MasterChef finale.
In our pre tweet chat conversation Chef Dorian shared her backstory with us. She told us about growing up the middle child in a family of 10 kids. As you might expect, in a family that large everyone had chores. Dorian’s chore was to help with cooking. Before long she was responsible for making weekend breakfast for the family which included grits.
During the tweet chat we asked Chef Dorian how she made her grits ~
Lol…I use water, milk, butter, salt, pepper and let them cook slow❤❤❤ https://t.co/9yi6E1ngQ9
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
No sugar…lol❤❤❤ https://t.co/zqQmCZsHny
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
Dorian’s mom was her first culinary teacher and remains her inspiration to this day.
I had a great teacher in my mom and I also trusted my instincts❤❤❤ https://t.co/lfLpl02SyR
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
Culinary Lessons From Childhood
The lessons Dorian learned in her mom and dad’s kitchen gave her an advantage in the MasterChef kitchen. On the show being able to cook quickly is critical. As Dorian said, “I’m a really fast cook because people don’t like to wait.” Dorian was able to make sure every move was calculated to execute the dish within the time tight time constraints. For her time management was never a big issue.
Chef Dorian’s Cooking POV
All chefs have a POV, point of view, about their food and Chef Dorian is no different. Her POV about her form of cooking is “elevated soul” which she explains is “A sophisticated way of cooking traditional southern cuisine.”
QC: I would describe my form of cooking as elevated soul❤❤❤ https://t.co/pZ0UnerBwU
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
A sophisticated way of cooking traditional southern cuisine https://t.co/2czg2207ED
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
For Chef Dorian the most challenging part of the MasterChef continuing cooking challenge was “staying focused.”
QD – the most difficult part of the challenge was staying focused, because I felt my moms presence the most that night❤❤❤ https://t.co/tsPga9Qa9n
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
Inspiration & Lessons From Chef Gordon Ramsay
MasterChef contestants often tell us how much they learned and how their cooking has been elevated. Chef Gordon Ramsay understands to be a really great chef takes more than skill. It takes confidence and as Chef Dorian tells us “staying true to your yourself.”
“I learned to trust my instincts and self confidence. What you know you know and no one can take that from you. I forgot that myself. I was able to gain that self confidence again. I can see my growth and taking chances and trusting myself. I learned to be adventurous but still stay close to my roots.” – Chef Dorian Hunter
QE: The most important advice he gave me was stay true to myself and to my roots. Also to always put myself on a plate!❤❤❤ https://t.co/EUQWMEbIUW
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
QF: I think that they learned that I'm a fighter, age is just a number, and I'm more than just a baker🤣❤❤❤ https://t.co/SfHxx8AhtJ
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
Chef Dorian’s favorite dish to cook might surprise you.
Asian Sticky Ribs with Jasmine rice https://t.co/M8dWXebXcF
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
Can you guess what Chef Dorian considered to be her biggest challenge on MasterChef?
I really enjoyed the grill challenge because it was outside, and it was my first time grilling steaks❤❤❤ https://t.co/vIh2qbhCWn
— Chef Dorian Hunter (@ChefDsouthernb1) September 17, 2019
As MasterChef winner Chef Dorian’s next culinary adventure will include writing that cookbook. After that… sky’s the limit for his talented lady. If it does include opening a restaurant her fans are already in line!
Would totally drive from Jersey to eat at your restaurant
— Tired mom of 4 girls (@dawng97) September 18, 2019
Congrats! Chef Dorian on your well deserved MasterChef Win
Thank you for a divalicious and inspirational #FoodTVChat!
Connect With Chef Dorian Hunter!