Duff Goldman didn’t set out to become a celebrity baker. “I got a degree in history and philosophy,” he tells Closer. “I think the thing about college is that I wasn’t really trying to learn something that I was going to be doing for the rest of my life. I was just trying to figure out how to grow up and how to become an adult.” The future Food Network star eventually found his footing in the culinary world and debuted on TV’s Ace of Cakes in 2006, where his charm, unbridled enthusiasm and ready humor made him a star. “When I’m filming, I really try to connect with the people at home watching,” says Duff, 49, who hosts two holiday competition series on the network, The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown and Holiday Baking Championship.
Who inspired your culinary career?
Oh man, lots of people, like my great- grandmother. A lot of her recipes are up on Food Network’s website, like her strudel and her babka. My mom was the one who really taught us that food was important. For all of the holidays, my mom cooked. When you grow up eating good food and then you get out and you go to eat at a friend’s house or you’re eating at school, you realize, “Wow, the food at my house is so much better.” My mom was really instrumental in making sure I knew what good food was.
When did you start cooking professionally?
I started cooking when I was 14½, and I got my first job at McDonald’s. I later worked at a bunch of different fast-food restaurants. When I got to college, I wanted to be a chef, so I got a job in a really nice restaurant in Baltimore called Savannah. That’s where I discovered my love of baking. I really enjoyed it, and I could tell this was something I was good at.
This story is from the December 18, 2023 edition of Closer US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 18, 2023 edition of Closer US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures
BOLD AND brash, Mary Kathleen Turner burst onto the scene in the ’80s to become one of the sexiest and most acclaimed actresses of her generation.
HOW TO SURVIVE ALLERGY SEASON
A FEW SIMPLE TRICKS FOR RELIEF ARE NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT
THE MAN Who Tried to Save Her
A YOUNG MUSICIAN SOUGHT TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF THE PERFORMER'S LIFE SIX MONTHS BEFORE HER DEATH
With Age COMES WISDOM
The Dynasty and Colbys alum opens up about his amazing life and the lessons he's learned
He Was a FAMILY MAN
THE MONKEES FRONTMAN FELT TRUE HAPPINESS SURROUNDED BY THE PEOPLE HE LOVED
Inside Their SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP
THE PAIR’S WARM AND SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIP WOULD LAST FOR DECADES
Little House on the Prairie 50 Years OF LOVE, FAMILY &FAITH
THE CAST OF THE BELOVED TV SERIES SHARE SECRETS, SPECIAL MOMENTS AND MEMORIES
MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures
WHILE GROWING up in Mountain Brook, Ala., Courteney Bass Cox never had designs on being an actress.
Memories of My Mother CASS ELLIOT
THE ONLY CHILD OF THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS SINGER MAKES PEACE WITH THE PAST IN A NEW MEMOIR
Meet My NEW BOYFRIEND
On a recent spring morning, Valerie Bertinelli left the CBS studios in New York City with a smile on her face and a new man at her side.