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Young chef showcases her culinary skills in Food Network challenge

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Brantford’s Audrey MacKinnon has been cooking up a storm on Food Network Canada.

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Audrey, who recently turned 12, was one of 14 kids selected for Junior Chef Showdown, which sees young cooks and bakers try to wow three celebrity judges each week until one is awarded the grand prize, which includes $25,000 in cash.

While shooting was completed well before the pandemic hit, the TV show began airing April 19. During the first four episodes, Audrey has watched seven other contestants sent home.

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“During the last show I made mushroom and rosemary ravioli and the judges were very impressed,” says Audrey, who hand made the pasta for her dish.

So, how does a hockey-playing kid from Brantford end up in a TV cooking competition?

It turns out, Audrey has a passion for the kitchen.

“Cooking has always been part of my life,” she said.

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“It started when I was young and my love for it has grown. I love cooking international food.”

Audrey said her dad, Paul MacKinnon, got her started on cooking homemade pho, a popular Vietnamese rice noodle soup. And he and her grandmother encouraged her to expand her skills.

She said she also is inspired by Chef Ryan Devlin from Devlin’s Country Bistro in Mount Pleasant.

“He’s a family friend and invited me into his kitchen to cook with him.”

Far from a picky eater, Audrey said she loves foods from other cultures.

“We’re a very internationally palated family.”

It was her mother, Kathleen MacKinnon, who saw a casting call for kids, aged nine to 13, who were keen on cooking and suggested Audrey try out.

“She enrolled me and we forgot about it for a while but then they called for a first audition and it was really fun. Then I was called for a second audition and then they asked me to be on the show.”

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Audrey said keeping mum about the eventual outcome of the show has been a challenge.

“It was hard at first but it’s kind of been like a little wall I just built up. Whenever my friends ask me what happens, I just say ‘You’re going to have to wait and see!’”

Young Audrey MacKinnon has lasted through four episodes of the eight-episode cooking challenge, Junior Chef Showdown.
Young Audrey MacKinnon has lasted through four episodes of the eight-episode cooking challenge, Junior Chef Showdown. Photo by (Courtesy of Food Network Canada)

Junior Chef Showdown airs Sundays at 9 p.m. It repeats frequently on the Food Network and runs on YTV and Amazon Prime.

Audrey’s mother said the show has been an amazing experience for the entire family, which includes older sister, Claire, who is a competitive dancer.

“The rest of the moms and I still talk together three or four times a week. And, since the lockdown, it’s really given the family something to look forward to each week. Every Monday we’re already wanting it to be Sunday again.”

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This time of isolation also has meant Audrey, who is missing hockey practices and games with her Brantford Ice Cats team, is a great help in the kitchen.

“I’m not the cook in the family, and Paul is an essential worker,” said Kathleen. “So, Audrey is not only helping cook meals but she’s turning out sweets that she’s delivered to neighbours and friends.”

Kathleen said the community has embraced Audrey, following her on Instagram and sending supportive messages.

“It’s really made me realize how … wonderful the people of Brantford are.”

Audrey can be followed on Instagram at @audrey_mac05.

SGamble@postmedia.com
@EXPSGamble

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