ABOUT THIS COOK:

Hi, I'm Jennifer. 22 years of age. And I fell in love with the art of pâtisserie. My Mama's American, my Papa is German. I have a brother who's off to Munich to study to be a beer brewer. After finishing thirteen years of German "Gymnasium", I embarked on a quest to find my ideal profession. I mused, I did a few internships. But in the end, probably my lovely Mother is to blame. She suggested this career in the first place. Long before that, she set the stones by baking (and cooking!) for the whole family on regular basis. Even though food never played the main role in my family life, my parents both can cook and bake well. My German grandma especially set a high value on food, and I grew up with visits at my grandparents house - the highlight being the coffee and cake ritual in the afternoon with creme tortes, yeast braids and all other kinds of cakes in between. Since I've always had a sweet tooth and I can get very passionate about chocolate, butter and ice cream (quote from my bf: "If it contains a sugar content higher than normal - she has to eat it!"), it felt right to get into this business. In 2009 I started my pastry chef apprenticeship. in January 2012 I will be done officially. In German, you would say I am a "Geselle" then, meaning a companion, a journeyman (or woman in this case). In the future I plan to travel more and discover, create and recreate pastry marvels from all around the world.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  Sushi. I still don't get sushi.

• What do you cook when home alone?
  I don't cook, I bake something! A batch of cookies, madeleines or ice cream.

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  My creme colored kitchen aid.

• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  Not more than six guests, or else I get hectic.