Last week Jana narrowly missed out on the chance to compete in the Grand Finale of Dessert Masters. Having blown away the judges with her grasp of French techniques throughout every challenge, Jana displayed her ability to sculpt sugar, defy gravity with a chocolate Newton's cradle, and create a realistic edible Vegemite jar.
"I would have loved to sculpt some ice but the time probably would not allow that," Jana told 10 Play.
READ MORE: ‘Absolutely Blown Away’: Dessert Masters 2024 Crowns Winner
Following her elimination last week, Jana posted on her Instagram that she had an overwhelming sense of gratitude after the show came knocking at exactly the right time as she was struggling with burnout.
"I just felt like I was wrapped up in a big warm hug from the moment I stepped foot in the kitchen," Jana told 10 Play, adding that Dessert Masters also gave her an opportunity for her family to see what she can do and to see her in action.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBqZ3iiPmfU/
No stranger to competitions, in 2022 Jana became the first female selected to compete for the French Pastry team in the 2023 World Pastry Cup, winning the silver medal.
"The World Pastry Cup is intense," Jana said. "When you have a whole lot of pressure and a whole country weighing on your shoulders, you feel so much expectation...[Dessert Masters] was very liberating and was so much fun!"
In what would be her last challenge in the Dessert Masters kitchen, the chefs had to create three dishes based on a story. Jana chose to tell the story of her parents, pulling from their experiences as migrants and creating dishes that honoured their journey around the world.
"I felt every emotion under the sun and was absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to show exactly who I was and where I came from and how proud I am of that," she explained.
"You give a piece of your heart away when you create like that. You feel it so deeply that, in the end, the reactions do not matter, but more the warmth you feel in your heart and sense of happiness is what is worth it."
Adding that "deep down" she knew her time in the competition was coming to an end Jana said, "I would have loved to bring more, but I’m so happy and proud of what I’ve been able to put on the table already and there were just better dishes than mine."
As for any advice Jana has for pastry wizards thinking about stepping into the Dessert Masters arena in the future, the chef said, "Don't even hesitate for one second!"
Catch up on full seasons of Dessert Masters on 10 Play
