Dessert Masters Recap Episode 3: First contestant eliminated

It’s episode three of Dessert Masters 2023 and our talented contestants were tasked with a cocoa-infused challenge, crafting desserts that were destined to be smashed, crushed, broken, or cracked.

With Anna Polyviou and Andy Bowdy safe in the gantry, the Elimination Challenge saw the other pastry chefs have just two and a half hours to whip up a masterpiece that would knock the judges’ socks off, with the creator of the least impressive dish sent home.

Here’s what they made!

The Creations

Gareth Whitton

Gareth had a point to prove. He ambitiously set out to recreate the sugar glass dome that had caused a stir on Amaury’s social media channels.

It was a gamble, but Gareth had faith in his skills. When the dish was presented, Melissa couldn’t help but admire its beauty, and Amaury was thrilled to witness Gareth’s work firsthand.

With a swift strike, Amaury shattered the dome, just like glass, securing Gareth’s position in the competition.

Jess Liemantara

“Chocolate berry caramel tart”

Jess’s cooking journey took a challenging turn due to a flawed concept. Although she attempted a familiar tart dish, it fell short of meeting expectations without a smashing element.

After consulting with the judges, she realized the need for adjustments, but the mounting pressure led her into a downward spiral.

Despite delivering a technically well-executed dish, the smash effect failed to impress, ultimately placing her among the bottom cooks.

Morgan Hipworth

“Forbidden Fruit” – blown sugar apple with cinnamon chiboust and green apple sorbet.

Morgan showcased his skills by creating a blown sugar apple that would reveal other elements upon smashing. However, the pressure heightened when he discovered that Reynold Poelermo was also working on an apple dessert.

Amaury Guichon admired the craftsmanship and the vibrant colour, while Melissa Leong adored the silky sheen, though she pointed out a few minor inconsistencies.

Rhiann Meade

Rhiann decided to take on the challenge of creating a piggy bank, but little did she know that Kirsten Tibbals also had the same idea.

Rhiann then found herself being compared to the dessert queen so Amaury suggested a chocolate hammer.

While Rhiann’s spirit was highly praised, this bold choice ultimately hindered her progress, leaving her with limited time to complete the dish to perfection. The judges, upon tasting her creation, found the thickness of her chocolate to be unsatisfactory, both in terms of taste and texture.