Tineke “Tini” Younger’s journey from a self-described “bad kid” in Frederick, Maryland, to a culinary influencer captivating millions is a testament to the transformative power of passion and the democratizing influence of social media. Struggling with traditional academics, Younger discovered her calling in a high school culinary program. The hands-on nature of cooking resonated with her learning style, sparking a fervor that led her to the Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute at Frederick Community College. Her experience working at The Wine Kitchen, where she was inspired by the strong female presence in the kitchen, further solidified her ambition to not only excel in the culinary world but also to inspire other young women to pursue their chef dreams, shattering the stereotype of a male-dominated profession.
Younger’s early foray into the digital world through TikTok and Instagram was driven by a desire to share her burgeoning culinary knowledge, not financial gain. Even while facing financial hardship, she remained committed to honing her craft, viewing her online presence as a creative outlet rather than a career path. A pivotal moment arrived in the form of an unexpected call from casting agents for Fox’s Next Level Chef, hosted by the formidable Gordon Ramsay. Recognizing this opportunity as a unique learning experience, she embraced the challenge, foregoing a planned internship at Disney World. Her time on the show, marked by a memorable victory with a cow tongue dish that impressed even Ramsay, proved to be a catalyst, propelling her into the spotlight and significantly expanding her online following.
The turning point in Younger’s social media trajectory came towards the end of 2023 when her meticulously crafted mac & cheese recipe became a viral sensation in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Her detailed approach, involving a roux, béchamel, and mornay sauce, ignited a flurry of discussion and debate online, inadvertently fueling the recipe’s popularity. While some questioned the necessity of her technique, Younger remained steadfast, attributing her method to her French culinary training. She patiently addressed concerns about gritty roux, emphasizing the importance of low heat and fully cooking the flour. Her insistence on Cavatappi pasta, touted for its ability to capture the rich cheese sauce, became a defining element of the recipe, leading to widespread shortages on grocery store shelves.
The impact of Younger’s mac & cheese phenomenon extended far beyond online engagement, translating into tangible market shifts. Data from Nielsen revealed a staggering surge in Cavatappi sales, with a 19% increase in the 13 weeks leading up to November 30, 2024, compared to the previous year. The two-year growth, relative to 2022 before the recipe’s viral ascent, was even more dramatic, reaching nearly 50%. Ronzoni, a major pasta brand, experienced similar trends, reporting significant sales increases in their Cavatappi product in late 2024. This data underscores Younger’s influence, demonstrating how her online presence could directly impact consumer behavior and drive market trends.
Now a full-time content creator, Younger leverages her platform to partner with various brands, further solidifying her position as a culinary influencer. Her collaboration with apron brand Hedley & Bennett resulted in a sold-out launch, and a partnership with Nestle’s Carnation led to the creation of a limited-edition jalapeño-flavored evaporated milk, a nod to the ingredient’s prominence in her mac & cheese recipe. Despite her social media success and focus on accessible comfort food, Younger retains her passion for fine dining and the artistry of plating. She draws inspiration from Gordon Ramsay, envisioning a future that includes both an upscale restaurant showcasing her refined culinary skills and a more casual establishment offering comforting, everyday fare.
Looking ahead, Younger aims to balance her social media presence with a return to her more formal culinary roots. Inspired by Ramsay’s diverse culinary empire, she dreams of opening two distinct restaurants: one a high-end establishment featuring dishes like truffle mac & cheese, and the other a casual eatery serving her signature comfort food, including her beloved Old Bay crab cakes, a tribute to her Maryland heritage. While she adapts her online content to be more educational and accessible to viewers with limited equipment, she maintains a commitment to showcasing her culinary expertise and inspiring others, proving that culinary excellence can be achieved and shared through various avenues, from the professional kitchen to the digital screen.
