It’s episode 30 of MasterChef Australia 2023, and a rough puff pastry has seen the undoing of one contestant.

Australian culinary icon Maggie Beer — who has been shaping the food scene for over 40 years — joined Declan, Cath, Antonio, Malissa, Theo, Brent and Rhiannon in the kitchen for the elimination challenge.

In round one, contestants placed their bets on ingredients in a risky gamble. They could choose to cook with the ingredient they could see, or gamble and cook with a different ingredient hidden under a cloche.

In round two, they were tasked with using the second ingredient which was not revealed to them when they took the bet.

Round 1

With sixty minutes on the clock, the contestants got going.

Antonio was the only contestant to take a gamble where oranges were on the menu, filling him with confidence.

Self-confessed Maggie super-fan Rhiannon had an emotional cook with memories of her recently passed mother in the forefront of her mind. She was assigned finger limes — an ingredient she was thrilled to see when she walked in — to create her “mummy’s Mussel Curry”.

The delicious offering saw her safe from elimination.

Ralph Cooked Duck with Parsnip Puree and a Rosemary Oil that the judges loved!

Cath’s rolled the dice and was given the fig leaf, which she used to create a beautifully executed Fig Leaf Granita with Goat’s Cheese Cream, Buckwheat Crust and Verjuice Caramel.

Theo featured prunes in his Prune Crullers while Adi created a Tartare dish to pair with her veggie, Witlof.

Malissa served Prawn and Dill Tortellini with Vegetables and Chicken Broth. While the dill was highlighted, her broth was noted as being way too salty. 

Antonio’s use of white chocolate in his Hazelnut Cream, White Chocolate Ganache and Orange Caramel was too sweet for the judges.

Brent then presented his heirloom tomatoes for a ‘Nduja Sauce and Squid. The judges liked it.

Even though Declan was excited to get blackberries creating his nan’s apple and blackberry crumble, the judges expressed their concern that it wasn’t elevated enough.

Round 1 — Verdict

With not-so-positive results, Antonio, Malissa and Declan were put into the elimination round with their second ingredient.

Round 2

Antonio’s use of Kalamata olives in a Goat’s Cheese and Kalamata Caramel Mille-Feuille.

During the cook, he sped up the pastry work to produce a rough puff; however, it didn’t actually puff and became more of a shortbread.

The Judges thought the flavours worked well together; however, his pastry couldn’t be ignored.

Malissa’s second ingredient was raisins which she used to create a Rum and Raisin Semifreddo, Hazelnut Crumb and Raisin Compote.

The Judges praised her for her clever cooking, liking the balanced flavours which kept her safe from elimination.

Declan’s caraway seeds featured in a Rich Tomato sauce that accompanied a baked Murray Cod. Even though his sauce left a little to be desired, his fish was perfectly cooked.

The Verdict

Antonio’s pastry was his undoing and he became the ninth contestant eliminated from the competition.

MasterChef Australia airs Sunday – Thursday at 7.30pm on 10 and 10Play.

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