Maggie McKeown is ALL OVER the kitchen! She’s built a career as a chef and restaurateur, but also has her own line of natural cleaning products, C is for Clean, and serves as a judge on Donut Showdown! On February 8th, she’s a judge for Chef’s Challenge: The Ultimate Battle for the Cure.  

SDTC: From your education to your work at Great Cooks to your work in media to your line of cleaning products, you really are an industry everywoman! How has your involvement in these different parts of the industry influenced your career decisions? 

MM: I love to talk and I love to eat, and I love talking about food. I find ingredients totally fascinating: Where do capers come from? What fruit comes from an orchid? In the old days—think Downton Abbey—the cooks made the cleaners. When my twins were born, I revived the tradition and created my own cleaner after I saw what they were putting in their mouths (pretty much everything), and I realized that the cleaners I used—even the “green” ones—were full of chemicals including known carcinogens. My cleaner recipe uses foodie ingredients just like my other recipes, and even though it doesn’t taste as good, it smells fantastic.

SDTC: Let’s talk donuts. What is a personal favourite?

MM: Some of the donuts were OMG amazing! Standouts included a bismark margarita donut with a hint of rock salt, as well as fluffernutter (which is a chocolate, peanut and marshmallow creme concoction) that was outstanding.

SDTC: What advice would you give to young women who are eager to break into the food industry?

As a former chef and co-owner of two bustling downtown Toronto restaurants, I know first-hand how hard it can be. It is important to develop both mental toughness and physical stamina. Take intelligent risks and set your own impossibly high standards. Surround yourself with positive people. Be prepared to work, work, and then WORK!

SDTC: What’s a truly memorable meal you’ve had that has always stuck with you? 

MM: I had occasion to be visiting Carmel, California. I was at a restaurant where the maitre d’ was a mirror of the Martin Short character from Father of the Bride. In the course of the evening, a lightning storm knocked out all the power. It was incredible. This maitre d’ didn’t skip a beat! The man lit every candle in the restaurant while leading all the patrons in song. Soon platters of food were flowing out of the kitchen and being passed from table to table. Patrons were talking to one another, singing and pouring wine for each other. I didn’t leave until the lights came on at 4 in the morning and I will never forget the power of living in the moment!

SDTC: You’re cooking dinner for someone you admire. Who is it and what’s on the menu? 

MM: My family! I love having my family around. My family loves to eat, laugh and be together. My best memories are with my family. I have a wonderful braised short rib recipe that I inherited from my father’s collection. I love to make it on a cold winter’s night, my windows steam up and the aroma in the house is unbelievable! I serve it with mashed potatoes and garlic sun-dried tomato green beans. My kids and husband LOVE it!

SDTC: What’s a piece of advice you were given that you’ve carried with you throughout your career?

“You’re only as good as your last plate!” The chefs at the Culinary Institute of America would drill it into us. Don’t send anything to a customer unless you are sure it is the best. It worked as I try to impart that attitude into everything I do; every speaking engagement, every TV episode, every bottle of cleaner I blend—I always try to make it my BEST!

SDTC: Education, mentors, life experience; what are some things or people that really shaped you as a professional? 

MM: Folks that have shaped me as a professional usually have been the ones that worked for me. I find it very humbling that hard-working, talented folks place so much faith in me. It makes me want to work harder and do better ’cause they work so hard and support me so much!

SDTC:What’s coming up in 2014 that you’re excited about?

MM: 2014 is shaping up to be a stellar year. LOTS on the go. I am currently filming Season 2 of Donut Showdown. I was a guest chef on a very interesting show called Four Senses which featured Christine Ha (the Blind Cook) and Carl Heinrich (winner of Top Chef Canada) which is all about cooking without sight—debuting January 24th, 2014. I continue to have a weekly radio spot on The Mike Chalut Show dishing on the history of ingredients. My cleaner is being sold on The Shopping Channel; I am judging along side Giada de Laurentiis in Mount Sinai’s Chef’s Challenge; and currently I’m looking into some book opportunities—that just gets me to March!

SDTC: Why are you excited to participate in Chef’s Challenge? 

MM: It’s always rewarding to give back. Cancer has had a devastating impact on my family and Mount Sinai Hospital’s world-leading programs are a most worthy cause. This evening shines the spotlight on making a difference, having some fun, and eating some incredible food! I am thrilled to be contributing in a way that ties all of this together.