Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Arts and Culture
MPR News Staff

Minneapolis pastry chef Shawn McKenzie in the final round for national James Beard award

A woman holds dough on a table
Shawn McKenzie, executive pastry chef at Café Cerés and Rustica, is one of five finalists from around the country for best pastry chef from the James Beard Foundation.
Courtesy photo

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Shawn McKenzie started baking cookies at 11 years old alongside her chef father at a senior center. He taught her patience, waiting for the dough to be ready. Even then, she says she focused on the chocolate chips coming through with just the right texture and flavor lasting for days.

“I was always obsessed with making sure it didn’t taste like it was old or crusty.”

Her obsession that started, and continues, with cookies helped the Minneapolis chef move to the top of her profession.

McKenzie and four other bakers from around the country are the finalists for the best pastry chef award from the James Beard Foundation. The foundation made the announcement on Wednesday.

McKenzie co-founded Café Cerés, which has two shops in south Minneapolis. She’s also the executive pastry chef at Rustica.

On MPR News’ Minnesota Now, host Cathy Wurzer asked McKenzie Tuesday what the nomination means for the future. McKenzie credits others who have worked with her and said while it’s an honor for her team, "I'm trying not to think of, OK, what is this going to do. I guess I'm still trying to take one step at a time … I need to bake off cookies today, you know?"

The best chef Midwest category includes five chefs from Madison, Milwaukee, Omaha and Sioux Falls. None of the Twin Cities chefs in the category made it past the semifinalist round.

Beard award winners will be announced June 5 in Chicago.