Name: Malika Ameen
Age: 35
Occupation: Pastry Chef / Owner ByMDesserts
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: byMdesserts.com
“I was raised in a very food-centric family where ingredients and perfection of flavors were very important. I would say I come from a food-obsessed family even though my parents never ate out much. When I chose to pursue cooking professionally in my early twenties it just felt like a natural progression of something I felt comfortable with and truly loved. Food and cooking is my passion and obsession. “
I love cooking with: spices and fresh herbs.
My signature dessert is: Sticky Toffee pudding with Devonshire Cream sorbet, and candied orange.
I think the most underrated dessert is: an excellent ice cream which can and should have a lot of complexity to make it feel creamy and taste wonderful in your mouth. It is such a wonderful canvas for creativity with flavors.
People usually compliment my: eyes.
I’ll never forget: the day I found out I was chosen for Bravo’s Top Chef Just Desserts. I couldn’t believe it. It was so surreal
The most interesting thing I found about being on TV is: By being yourself, your true personality and character shines through no matter what happens.
For my skin, I use: Eminence Mineral Cleansing Concentrate, Jan Marini Transformation Face Serum and Sonya Dakar Visualift Eye Cream
My favorite makeup tip: don’t wear too much and always try and accentuate your best feature.
Current beauty product obsession: Revisions Nectifirm cream – it promises to help reverse the signs of aging (I know what you’re all thinking, and I have almost fallen for it for now anyway!).
But I also can’t live without: Witch Hazel Extract – It cleans all my makeup off so well!
Worst habit: twirling my hair.
My favorite scent is: Donna Karan Chaos.
People might be surprised to know: I have three small children.
My favorite hair product is: Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo.
I don’t understand people who don’t like: chocolate.
The restaurant I can never get tired of is: Jean Georges in Manhattan.
Though I can make a mean: Triple Chocolate Layer Cake
Who inspires me: My Father who passed away in 2009. He is my mentor and role model and the person who i aspire to be most like.
Catch Malika on Top Chef Just Desserts, Sundays at 9pm/8c and Wednesdays at 10/9c on BRAVO!
yay! i watch this show just for her!
This blog always makes me hungry.