KOTA KINABALU: A home baker originally from Lahad Datu, Sabah and currently living in the United States, has won a weekly challenge on the US Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge.
Janet Tan impressed judges with her tropical Christmas cookie creation and won a prize of US$10,000.
In an interview with the Malay Mail, Tan said she couldn't believe what had started as a hobby led to national recognition.
Tan, who now resides in Seattle, Washington with her husband and two daughters, turned her baking hobby into a successful business.
She moved to the US in 2013 to support her husband's career but became restless as a stay-at-home mum.
"Although I loved being a full-time mum, I was used to working, and without friends, I was getting lonely without something to keep me occupied," she said.
Inspired by YouTube cookie decorating videos, she began creating beautiful, customised treats for her daughter's parties.
Despite the initial challenges, Tan's artistic talents blossomed.
"The learning curve was steep... My friends were also shocked because I had never shown any artistic or creative talent before," she said.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Tan and her family decided to turn her hobby into a business, leading to the establishment of Fairyland Pastry in 2020.
The Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge features four to five bakers competing in two rounds each week.
In Tan's episode, titled "Santa's Seaside Holiday," she excelled in both rounds, creating sea-themed cookies and a 3D Christmas sandcastle using ingredients like coconut, which was a new experience for her.
Despite not having pandan essence to replicate the flavours of traditional Nyonya kuih, Tan's innovative creations won over the judges.
The episode was filmed in April, and Tan had to keep the results a secret until the show aired on Dec 5.
"No one knew I had won except my husband and kids. Luckily they could keep the secret," she said.
As for the future, Tan is taking things one step at a time.
While her Christmas season orders are booming, she is not rushing to open a shop just yet.
"I haven't thought too much about it. Opening a shop is a big task — costly and there's a lot involved. It's still a pipe dream for now... I enjoy working mostly from home," she said.
Tan also hopes to visit her hometown soon, a trip she hasn't made in seven years.
"There is never a good time for the family. But I told my husband, if we don't find the time, hopefully by next summer, I will go back without him," she laughed.