Having spent her teen years in Okotoks, April Lee Baker from Mundare will be featured on the National stage yet again!

Growing up in Mundare, Baker helped out in her family's butcher shop as a kid. She says her passion for cooking really started there at home. 

"My family loved cooking. My grandma was so inspirational for me."

While in school and becoming a nursing aid. Baker auditioned for season two of the cooking competition – but didn't get on the show. She then tried again for season three and made it, going on to become a top-five finalist.

"It was wonderful, it was mindblowing. I never thought – coming from Mundare, Alberta – that I would ever be on a television show," Baker said, adding she will never forget that first day on set. "[It was one of] those moments where you follow your dreams and they become a reality."

Her passion for cooking took off in the Foothills when Baker was a teen. She moved to Okotoks, where a friend got her a job at a family restaurant. Meanwhile, she was taking food studies classes in high school and later spent time working with physically and mentally challenged youth to teach them basic cooking skills.

"That was a really great experience for me, just seeing how fundamental cooking is for everybody," Baker explained.

Following the competition, Baker became a chef for a few restaurants in downtown Calgary. After the restaurant she was employed at shut down, she moved to private chef work, helping teach other cooks and running a catering business.

Business across Alberta hit a standstill when the pandemic first hit in March. Baker mentions it was a difficult time ultimately pivoting her business to the internet with her own virtual cooking classes.

Fast forward to today, MasterChef Canada decided to make a 'Back To Win' series. Producers got in touch to tell Baker she had made the cut.

"I was blown away, I couldn't believe that I was going to be getting a second opportunity," she said. "I feel way more confident that I've got it this time."

Filming under COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario, it was a very different feel on set Baker explained. Physical distancing and masks were mandatory. Contestants were frequently tested and everyone had to quarantine for a while when they first arrived.

The winner of MasterChef Canada will take home a nice $100,000.

"I'm definitely going out there to win," stated Baker. "When I get that cheque for $100,000, I'm going to up my game."

Baker also said she felt more sure of herself this time, having more experience in the kitchen and being part of the show once before. 

She plans to use the money to improve her website and get better equipment for her virtual classes.

MasterChef Canada: Back To Win premieres on Feb.14.