Leave it to Jennifer Maune to take as big a bite out of opportunity as possible. With little else happening as a pregnant mother of five, she decided to take a crack at a culinary degree. Her appreciation of food was cultivated through her grandmother. Through her eyes, Jennifer learned that there are few greater joys than hosting a party! “My grandmother was an amazing cook and I spent summers spending time with her in the kitchen,” Jennifer reminisces.”She taught me a love for cooking, entertaining, and creating a welcoming home.” Studying in Paris offered her a gateway to an entirely new set of taste sensations. Her perspective on food was forever altered and enriched. “Getting an advanced certification from the Le Cordon Bleu Paris opened my eyes to advanced techniques taught by some of the best chefs in the world. I loved eating in Michelin Star restaurants in Paris, and taking in the design, the hospitality experience, and refining my palate.”
Jennifer’s professional pathway continued to be sprinkled with gold, as she soon earned a place on MasterChef season 13. She even earned the kudos of Gordon Ramsay. “Gordon was like a mentor, and it is one of my greatest professional honors to have had the opportunity to learn from him. MasterChef gave me a fast track to elevated culinary skills and what it’s like cooking in a fine dining restaurant.” Overnight, her trajectory transformed. Becoming a finalist on the show reaffirmed that she does have the moxie to accomplish anything she sets her mind to. “The experience helped me hone skills necessary to open a restaurant, and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and I hope be an example for other women wanting to join the culinary industry.”
With that said, there’s still the small matter of juggling six children, ages 3 to 13. Family is always the first priority for Jennifer. “It’s an ongoing challenge! My work ebbs and flows, so I try to be very intentional in making time both individually for each of my kids and create worthwhile bonding experiences and lasting memories for my kids,” she says, aspiring to lead by example. Achievement is always waiting, whatever the circumstances may be. “I want my kids to know it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and that hard work and becoming a master at your craft results in success!” A penchant for interior design provides the fanciful backdrop of Jennifer’s flair for cuisine. “Food is art, design is art. I love creating a beautiful plate design and we all know that an incredible meal starts with the eyes, so I love utilizing different colors, textures, and elevated plating methods.”
Of course, you don’t necessarily have to go abroad to give your meals or your home some more pizzazz! Just let warmth and practicality lead. “I was able to improve my cooking skills by watching tutorials online and by getting a culinary and pastry arts degree. If you don’t have time to take college classes, a lot of communities offer community education classes that are open to the public. I love creating an intentional, cozy environment for my family and loved ones who visit. I do this with approachable design by using inviting fabrics, comfortable furnishings, and decor that compliments each space.” Jennifer’s ambition of opening up a restaurant is also taking shape. Not only that – she’s paying special attention to those of us with a sweet tooth. “I am excited to be planning an elevated farm-to-table breakfast, brunch, and lunch concept along with a pastry shop that will feature fresh breads, pastries, confectioneries, specialty cakes, craft coffee, and more. I want to perfect the model, and then open locations across the country. You can follow my journey on my website.” Our taste buds are absolutely thankful that Jennifer is choosing her best life.
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MasterChef Mom of Six Jennifer Maune on Reviving a Dream Deferred. Photo Credit: Kelly Bittle Photography and Courtesy of FOX.
