Kirsten Tibballs is an Australian pastry chef and chocolatier, who has successfully competed internationally, made multiple television appearances, and runs a pastry school. Many people know her for her guest appearances on MasterChef Australia. Although there are some facts about Kirsten Tibballs that her fans know, there are still plenty of Kirsten facts that are unknown to them. Here are some Kirsten Tibballs facts you might not know.
Kirsten Tibballs Facts: Her Early and Personal Life
Where Was Kirsten Tibballs Born?
Kirsten Tibballs was born on the 5th of January 1973 in Leongatha, Victoria, Australia. While growing up, she lived in Pearcedale.
Did Kirsten Tibballs Enjoy Cooking in Her Youth?
Tibballs’s passion for cooking began in her youth, and she had a particular interest in pastry and baking. From the age of 12, she entered baking and cake-making competitions.
Is Kirsten Tibballs Married?
Yes, Kirsten Tibballs is married. Her husband is Michael Louros, an accountant.
Does Kirsten Tibballs Have Children?
Yes. Tibballs and her husband have one son, Charlie.
Facts About Kirsten Tibballs Culinary Career
Where Did Kristen Tibballs Train as a Pastry Chef
Tibballs began her apprenticeship at a Mornington patisserie, then joined the team at Melbourne’s Sheraton Towers Hotel as a commis pastry chef when she was 20. She became renowned for her work after winning the National Australian Baking Scholarship Award when she was 22. After winning the award, Tibballs travelled to Europe, where she worked with pastry chefs in Paris and Brussels.
She Runs a Cooking School
The main element of Kirsten Tibballs’s career is running her cooking school, Savour Chocolate and Patisserie School, in Brunswick, Victoria. She founded the school in 2002 and teaches various patisserie and chocolate classes. The school’s aim is to improve the skills of Australian pastry chefs who cannot travel to Europe for training.
Tibbles Has Won Multiple Awards
During her culinary career, Kirsten Tibballs has won various awards. In 2004, she came first in the World Pastry Team Championships held in Las Vegas. The same year, the celebrity chef won the gold medal at the Live Patisserie Competition at the Pastry Olympics in Germany.
How Many Cookbooks Has Kirsten Tibballs Published?
Kirsten Tibballs has published two cookery books. Her first book, ‘Chocolate to Savour: delicious chocolate recipes,’ was published in 2012. Four years later, she published ‘Chocolate: Luscious recipes and expert know-how for biscuits, cakes, sweet treats, and desserts.’
Her Career in Television
Tibballs Is Known for Her MasterChef Australia Appearances
One of the main reasons why people know Kirsten Tibballs is because of her many appearances on MasterChef Australia. She has featured as an additional judge alongside former judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris, and Gary Mehigan. Tibballs first appeared in two episodes of series five, then again in an episode of series seven, two episodes of series nine, and one episode in series 10. Other guest judges on the series have included:
- Matt Moran
- Shannon Bennett
- Curtis Stone
- Nigella Lawson
- Jamie Oliver
- Gordon Ramsay
- Peter Gilmore
- Yotam Ottolenghi
- Darren Purchese
She Has Her Own Cooking Series
Although many people know Kristen Tibballs from MasterChef Australia, she also has her own cooking program called ‘The Chocolate Queen.’ The show, which has three series, airs on SBS and Foxtel in Australia.
Other Kirsten Tibballs Facts
She Launched an App
While Kirsten Tibballs is known for her cooking, she has also been involved in other ventures that have made her the success she is today. One such venture is her mobile app, Mix n’ Make. It allows users to create unique pastry recipes and flavour combinations, and they can then download the recipes they have created.
She Is a Brand Ambassador
Due to her fame, Kirsten Tibballs has become a brand ambassador for several big brands. These include Callebaut, a Belgian chocolate brand, and the Bulla Family Dairy.
We hope you enjoyed reading our Kirsten Tibballs facts.