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Recipe + Article here!!!

PHOTO CREDIT PAUL VERSLUIS

That was a heck-of-a-thing…. The laughs, the tears, the life-changing experience for which is Masterchef.

Side-note: This is a letter from me to you. You’ll find no links, no plugs, no promos. Just me talking about what was, what is, and what will be. That’s it. Hope you take a moment to read on. xoxo Becky

If you would have told me exactly one year ago, that in the near future, I’d be competing on a national TV show, on FOX, with Gordon Ramsay, cooking for Alain Ducasse? I’d have taken your keys away, I told you to quit drinking the crazy juice.
Honestly. I have never been the person with dreams of being on TV, aspirations of Hollywood-stardom, or expectations of glitz and glamour. I have, however, always had dreams. Always had aspirations, and more than anything, always had drive. Okay, so we all know, I’m a lil’ competitive… Kinda grew up that way I guess… sports, art contests, card games, anything. Its just the way I am. I hate when I’m not good at something, and can’t be better. Therefore, I work my tail off to be better. I teach myself things, practice, learn, read, fail, try again. So whether its learning to do a handstand, or properly extract sea urchin, I want to figure out how to do it.
So, rambling aside, this I suppose is how I came to be on Masterchef. I simply did my best to answer all their questions as honestly, and passionately as possible. I gave it my all, all the time. There was never a single day when I did not look down at my watch and think, wow, we’ve been here 12 hours, I’m exhausted, I wish I weren’t here. No. Everyday, when I was exhausted, broken down, sore, defeated, or simply lonely, I closed my eyes and remembered what a beautiful gift had been given to me. The gift of following my dream, and being given the arena to share that with millions of people.
Goosebumps.
Its still gives me chills when I think about what it felt like, walking into the Masterchef kitchen, Christine on my arm, everyday. We would walk in, slowly moving toward the judges, unknowing what awaited us, poised, nervous, yet anxiously awaiting our next challenge.
I had unbelievable ups, and unbelievable lows. Many times in the same 24 hours. Its gut wrenching to see a friend go home, and the mixed feeling associated are like nothing I’d ever felt before, truly surreal. The highs are unbelievable, because you put your heart and soul into something, and want it to be accepted more than anything in the world. So when those feelings you have, come to fruition, and win over the judges, its the most remarkable feeling, as my co-contestants can attest to.
There’s really too much to say in this post, and frankly, I’m the crummiest typist ever (not afraid to admit that one… although I am slowly trying to get better…whoops) So the time it would take for me to recount all my experiences and documented feelings would be long, arduous, and put you to sleep, I’m certain.
There are two main points I want to speak on, the most important aspects of what Masterchef has imparted on me.
(1) The people. Its sounds cliche, as I know people in reality shows always talk about “What great friendships they made,” or how they found “friends for life, blah blah blah…” Well, I’m sorry to say, its super true guys. And here’s why: All personal boundaries are completely broken down, throughout the course of filming. You are spending %90 of your day with these people. You wake up, you see them, you get your hair and makeup done together, you eat together, you study together, change cloths–often in the same room (getting hooked for audio in a dress is a …um… really fun experience in and of itself…) cry together, laugh together, burp, fart, puke. Everything. So to say that you have no connection to these people, after sharing all these experiences is a complete fallacy. Not to mention, its people who share so much of your passion. They love to cook and so do I. So it just makes sense. I’m not going to share too much info on this, because inside jokes, shared with third parties is always annoying. I’ll spare you. Just know, we’ll all be doing more cooking things together in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled.
(2) You. Yes, all you who are reading this. One year ago, I was certain that I had about 7 people (on a good day) who may have been reading my blog. Now, I have no idea how many people read it… But I’m pretty sure its a lot more than 7. Like probably 17. WOW!! Okay, just kidding. Its kind of amazing to think that my face is plastered on a FOX tv show… Eek, just writing that makes my stomach kinda turn… But, again, it thrills me, not upsets me. I hope that seeing me, along with my other 17 amazing home cooks, will inspire you home-cooks to do what really drives you. If you love to cook, and think you wanna do it more professionally, go for it! Who the heck knows what the future holds?! Or, if you love making furniture, but are stuck behind a desk at work– get out of there!! Trust me, its the scariest leap of faith you’ll EVER make… but there’s a reason. Without great risk, comes no great reward. You have to make big waves, for people to notice.
Before the show, I had a day job at a photo studio, and a consistent client schedule. I lost all that, and thousands of dollars being on Masterchef… But you know what? Now, I’m cooking everyday, traveling, busier than I’ve ever been in my whole life…and the craziest part….Happy. So stinking happy!!!!! Slowly but surely I’m moving towards my dream–A cooking show and a restaurant. Both seem so far out of reach… but I know if I never stop trying, I’ll get there. So many setbacks, so many breakdowns, so many reasons why it can’t happen… But none are as strong as my dreams. My desire, my ambition. My spirit.
That’s the really unique quality about Masterchef, is that it is a show that capitalizes on dreamers. We are there in that kitchen, because Gordon, Graham, and Joe all want us to be the best that we can be, and really fight to make our dreams come true. And for that, I can finally see, I am so grateful.
Finally, and most importantly, I am absolutely astounded by the number of people who reach out to me. I could share a gazillion examples, funny stories and comments about all the people I lovingly call my ‘Fans.’–But what is paramount, is for me to say THANK YOU. THANK YOU THANK YOU. I don’t know how else to say it. Every single person who follows me on twitter, likes my Facebook pages, emails me from my website, comments on this blog. Every-single-person. I thank you, from the bottom of my heavy heart. I truly am speechless. Its so inspiring to ME, to read all your comments. To see what you like on my Facebook, to read your sweet encouraging words, and your funny tweets. I love it. LOVE IT! I wish I could comment back to everyone! I really really do!!! Because I SO appreciate the time you take to speak to me, and show your love Even though I came in third this year, I don’t think I can say a negative thing about my experience. Of course, there’s always gonna be ‘woulda, coulda, shoulda’s’ but looking back gets you nowhere. I only look forward, that’s all I can do. And I’m hoping, with all of YOUR HELP, my future is going to be bright
A final shout out to: my mom and dad and brother–their massive support and love that is unwavering, Graham Elliot-my mentor, Gordon– for the job offer (which guess what? Yes, I’m taking it – My close friends, for their love and support and drying my tears during watch parties, my therapist–self-explanatory, haha, and the lord. Yes, my prayers were answered everyday I was cooking in that kitchen, and I know he has big things planned for me, as he does you each of you.
LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!! Kitchen Ninja, Becky Reams, signing off….

Papaya Salad for anyone
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and by the way, Masterchef is nearing its FINALE! Where does the time go?… have you been keeping up? Check here… and like my page

Perhaps not my brightest moment…. ahhhh, this Masterchef kitchen is starting to wear on me… I’m losing my mind

We have to do whaaaat?? Graham is the man– I’m more than just a ‘little’ nervous…

Watch tonight on FOX at 9 PT 8 CT and tweet me at @mc3becky

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