by Gina Scarpa and Todd Betzold

 

Last week on MasterChef, the judges sent not one, but two contestants home. Both Christine and Derrick didn't cut it in the childhood classic dish challenge and were eliminated. Last week, we spoke to Derrick and today, it was Christine's turn to open up in an exclusive interview about her time on MasterChef.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you want to do MasterChef?
A. Christine: Making the decision to be on MasterChef was probably one of the most difficult choices I've ever had to make. I had recently gone through a split with my fiance and a custody battle for my son. The thought of leaving my son with someone else scared me. Not to mention I would lose my job as a Restaurant Manager and I had only been working there for nearly two weeks. After many prayers and lots of thought I finally made the choice to be on MasterChef to see where the competiton would lead me. To take the risk to hopefully have the chance to have a better life for me and my son.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was there anyone who stood out to you in the competition
A. Christine: Everyone! There are so many talented cooks on the show... hard to say. We all excel at different dishes. We were all there for a reason.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was it like being away from your son for as long as you were during the show?
A. Christine: It was torturous! He was only about 18 months old when I had to leave so it was extremely difficult. The thought of not being able to see or talk to him made me ill to my stomach. He is my life.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is your son proud of how far Mom got in the competition?
A. Christine: I know he will be when he is older! Thank God he still knew who I was when I returned from the show.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was it like working with all the time constraints of the challenges and food ingredients given to you, especially the last elimination test?
A. Christine: Usually when I cook I take my time and enjoy every second of it, the time constraints were incredibly intense. You would look up at the clock one minute and you'd have plenty of time left the next time you looked up you had seconds left !! Some of the food ingredients were very interesting. I've had opporunity to enjoy truffles so I know what they taste like but working with them was a different story. I did the best I could with the all the ingredients and time.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What were you thinking when it was you, Derrick and Ben in the bottom three?
A. Christine: I honestly didn't think I would be sent home that day because of my past performances but it is what it is. I would have liked to have stayed a little longer but I did my best. It was a difficult day for me to cook (childhood memories are not my strong point). I was ready to see my son for sure. My head wasn't completely in the game.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What is the biggest thing you are taking away from this experience?

A. Christine: Confidence in myself and in my cooking. I have a lot to bring to the table and I won't ever stop cooking. I am one tough cookie! There is a bright future for me and my son thanks to MasterChef.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did doing this show help inspire you to continue your dreams of cooking?
A. Christine: Definitely! Not many people get the chance to have Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich taste your dishes that you worked so passionately to prepare and actually ENJOY them. I made some pretty amazing dishes on the show. 100% for my Beef Wellington amongst others I am inspired to keep cooking for sure! The judges helped give me the confidence and encouragement I needed to continue my dream and I thank them, forever!

 

 

MasterChef airs on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9/8c on Fox.

 

(Image courtesy of Fox)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa and "Like" her on Facebook. Follow Todd @tbetzold.