Today we bring you an interview with Loren Trocellier, one of the finalists of the biggest cooking contest, MasterChef Ecuador. Here we will share a little bit of her experience in that competition, and we will also share her recipes, traditions, hopes, and desires for this Christmas.
Which was your inspiration for start cooking?
Actually, my family, my mom, and my grandma. They taught me everything I know about cooking. Also, my sister is a chef and I learned a lot from her. Everything I know is thanks to my family.
Do you remember the first recipe that you prepared?
The first recipe that I prepared, I think that was noodle soup for my dad and mom when they arrived on a trip.
We know that you were a contestant on MasterChef, so can you tell us how was your experience there?
It was a cool experience, but also very stressful, there was a lot of competitiveness. Therefore, I learned to be aware of people's real intentions. I learned a lot about cooking, I got to visit new places that I could never have been in life if I hadn´t been for MasterChef.
How do you plan to celebrate Christmas this year?
This Christmas, like in previous years, I plan to spend as a family with my parents and my family-in-law. This has been a difficult time because of COVID, but we should never put away the fact that we stay together like a family.
Which is your favorite Christmas activity?
My favorite Christmas activity is in November, the day of deaths, my family and I set up the Christmas Tree together with my husband and my children. We decorate all our house for Christmas. That for me is the most beautiful activity of the Holidays, apart from dinner on Christmas Eve. I love to share with my children and play Christmas music.
What are the Christmas traditions of your family?
The Christmas traditions in my family are always about food. All the meetings in my house are based on what we are going to cook, so I believe that one tradition is always to eat turkey or pork. Sometimes we are given seafood to do something different. It is always the fact of sharing at the table together what really matters. We also do the game of the stolen gift that is also something fun, but essentially it is the family dinner.
Which recipe cannot be missed in your Christmas dinner?
I think the salad that has potato, pineapple, apple, mayonnaise, and celery. It is a recipe that cannot be missed. Everything can be missed except for the potato salad.
How do you think this Christmas will be?
I believe that this Christmas will be very special. After having lived a very complicated year, it will bring together many families. I believe that it is a very expected moment of this year since Christmas always brings hope, happiness, and union. What people want most in the middle of this crisis is that, so I believe that people are also waiting for that day with a lot of excitement to receive that hope that Christmas brings.
Can you share with us an easy Christmas recipe?
An easy recipe is the one I said before, the potato salad. You need boiled potato in small pieces, salt, pepper, a little bit of mayonnaise, mustard, pineapple in small pieces, apple in small pieces and peeled, and finally, chopped celery. Then, you have your salad ready to celebrate Christmas.
Could you give us a message on how to live as a family despite the distance this Christmas?
I believe that in spite of everything we must remain united, always believing in God without losing faith. It is true that many families cannot be seen because of the pandemic since they cannot travel. However, we must remain united even if it is by telephone, always giving us a message of encouragement and support. That is what truly helps cheer each other up. I think it is super important to rescue and help others too. Despite the distance, there will always be a neighbor who needs something, a guard who is always looking after us, or the people who support you with your housework. I believe that this year has been very blessed and it has given us the chance to bless those in need. I have the idea that God puts us this obstacle so that we can help others in one way or another. I hope you have a beautiful Christmas and that may God bless you very much. Don't lose hope and faith in God. Merry Christmas!
Written by
Ana Paula Tacco and Renata Romero
Senior Year C
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