Cyra, what inspired you to audition for the show Recipe to Riches? What was it like?
When I saw the first season of Recipe to Riches I turned to my husband and said “I so need to do this next year!” It combined my passion for competition, cooking and even mixed in some marketing for good measure. For season two I auditioned and got a gold ticket but didn’t get any farther – but look where I ended up this year!
The competition was a whirlwind of excitement, adventure, stress and exhaustion. It truly was a test of your stamina and ability to stay focused. But despite all the stress, I was determined to have fun and enjoy every moment of it, no matter the results!
On the show you mentioned having a background in marketing but have you always been a foodie?
I have always been a foodie. Food is a HUGE part of my family. Despite the hectic family schedules of sport and work, supper was a mandatory family time where we enjoyed each others company and a delicious meal. I am actually a bigger baker than I am a cook. I started a cupcake blog called Faking Fancy Cupcakes and I’m always bringing treats into the office.
The Kitchen Commander Rob Rainford stopped you from hand-rolling your Mexi Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites. How long did it take you to problem-solve that dilemma?
It didn’t take me long to figure out what we needed to use to create the balls instead of hand rolling them. To be honest, I was expecting that challenge. But I was hoping that they’d share a magical automated machine that would be even better than my idea! That was a dream and the ice cream scoop was all I had to help with the portion and shape integrity.
How did you feel about the marketing company suggesting using Mexican Luchadors for your venue?
When they suggested the Luchadors, I was extremely hesitant because the audience attending the event didn’t seem like they’d be Luchador enthusiasts 🙂 But then I reconsidered when I realized I could lean on the right décor combined with approachable, friendly staff to pull the whole thing off.
Did you feel President’s Choice did a good job recreating your dish as their product?
I am truly amazed at how close the final product is to what I make in my kitchen. In fact, I’d say it’s better because I don’t have to clean up the mess of dishes and fallen ingredients on the floor in my kitchen…and by me I mean my husband 🙂 And now I can esily buy it where President’s Choice products are sold all across Canada like Dominion, SaveEasy and Atlantic Superstores to name a few – so AMAZING!
You had a lot of people on Twitter cheering you on the night of your episode. What has the response been on the east coast since they announced you won the savoury snacks category?
The response has been truly humbling. I have heard from so many people who have been a part of my life through sports, schools, family affiliations, work places, and the list just goes on. And they all keep sharing stories about how they are voting for me, telling everyone they know to vote for me, and cheering me on! I have always known that I am a very lucky person having surrounded myself with caring loving people, but this journey has made me that much more grateful.
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