None, really. I don’t think I’ve mastered much of anything. I mean, there are things that I cook really well - eggs, mac and cheese, pate, beef - but to call yourself a master takes years of practice, and I just don’t think I’m there yet. One dish I think I make really well is mashed potatoes. It’s dumb, I know, but I have perfected my mashed potato recipe. Just enough garlic to give it bite, cream, milk, waxies, butter of course, and that’s it. I make them all the time and everyone loves them. I have been working on my mole poblano for the better part of the last 15 years, and that comes out really well most of the time. Balanced, flavorful. I actually love putting my mole on top of a nice lean piece of roasted pork. It tastes so good.

I learned that I need to be more calm. I learned that I have a lot to learn. Most of all, I learned to respect the skills of others, the time people put into getting to know you, and have some self confidence. That’s the one thing I am walking away with, I am more self-confident. MasterChef was a whole experience and I am truly grateful I had the opportunity to go through this process. Best thing ever.