In two challenges befitting the calibre of our MasterChef All Stars, the contestants faced dishes from George and Curtis Stone in some of the most intense culinary action seen yet.

Epic was certainly the word as George lifted the cloche on his mighty Zeus – a chocolate concoction so complex it truly deserved to be labelled the ‘Food of the Gods.’

Working through a massive 13 recipes trying to bring the dish together, time was an unforgiving enemy, with question marks hovering over whether the hopefuls would even be able to get all their elements on a plate.

Some managed it, while others were left cursing the clock. Among them was Dani, whose incomplete dish suffered from lack of balance as a result. Irresistibly enthusiastic to the last, the talented All Star left the kitchen with a beaming smile and $10,000 for the Starlight Foundation.

With five All Stars left, valued member of the MasterChef family Curtis Stone hit the kitchen to set the following day’s Pressure Test. First challenging the contestants to keep pace as he sprinted through making a beautiful Lobster Ravioli, the one safe spot in the next stage of the competition was claimed by Chris with his immaculate recreation.

His four peers got their heads into round two, preparing dishes using one of four Curtis-picked core ingredients. From the start, Kate appeared to have the challenge well in hand, crafting a wonderful Toffee Apple Sorbet with Macadamia Crumble that clearly played to her dessert strengths.

Julie, unfortunately, seemed unsure about the direction of her pork dish, losing valuable time as she switched cuts of meats. Curtis and the judges agreed that the taste of the final dish was good, though it lacked clarity in terms of concept and presentation. 

Julie had much to be proud of, however, walking away with the most important prize of all: money for her charity Oxfam.