Greta Wins Junior MasterChef 2011

After two last phenomenal displays of cooking by a pair of prodigiously talented young chefs, Greta edges out Jack to be crowned Junior MasterChef 2011.

Given the standard of cooking displayed by Greta and Jack throughout this Junior MasterChef competition, an epic final battle was assured, and the result delivered in every sense.

The standard expected from the finalists was evident from the moment special guest Donna Hay arrived in the MasterChef kitchen to set the first challenge. Tasked to produce a stunning fruit dessert, the contestants were then led into the pantry to find a fruit tree unlike any they had seen before. In true MasterChef style, this particular species bore fruits of all shapes and sizes, leaving Greta and Jack with one minute to decide which they wanted to utilise. They could choose as many as they liked, the only catch being they had to use whichever they picked.

Jack decided to make a deconstructed strawberries and cream with chocolate spirals, a complex dish that had the judges questioning whether the allotted hour would be enough time to complete all the elements required. For a worrying moment it looked as if they might be right, as Jack struggled to wind his chocolate spirals; thankfully Matt Moran stepped in with some eleventh hour assistance.

For her dessert, Greta opted for a beautifully fresh citrus tart, though had her own difficulties to contend with. Try as she might, she couldn’t get her orange and lemon curd to thicken, recruiting the services of George to help remedy the situation. Ultimately Greta decided that some improvisation was required, altering her dish to a dessert of the more ‘deconstructed’ variety.

Greta’s ability to think on her feet paid off, the judges loving both the taste and presentation of her dish. While similarly impressed with Jack’s efforts, they agreed that his strawberry mouse hadn’t quite done the rest of his dish justice.

It was time for the first round of scores to be dished out, with the results predictably close. Jack scored 8/10 from all the judges except George, who went one better with an impressive 9/10. Greta was awarded an 8/10 from Anna, but was even more delighted to receive 9/10 from the other judges, putting her in the driving seat for the Pressure Test.

A MasterChef finale Pressure Test is always a special thing, but on this occasion it was made doubly so by the presence of the legendary Tetsuya, who unveiled the dish the cheflings would be cooking: Steamed Tian of Queensland Spanner Crab with Bean Curd, Water Chestnuts and Junsai. Rather than be overawed by the occasion and dish, Greta and Jack gamely jumped into life, cooking with flair, confidence and most importantly fun.

The judges were amazed at how closely two young chefs had managed to follow the recipe of a culinary great, setting the stage for another tight round of scoring where just a few points could make all the difference. After scoring 8/10 from Tetsuya and Gary, and 9/10 from Anna, George and Matt, Jack was understandably thrilled. It wasn’t enough to take the title, however, with the judges awarding a combination of 9s and 10s to Greta, confirming that her performance in the challenge had been close to flawless.

Though Jack fell just short of victory, his graciousness in defeat is to be applauded. “I’m very proud of what I achieved,” he says. “So many kids applied to be part of this show, and I came second! I have loved every minute of it, but the most important thing I leave with are great memories and plenty of new friends.”

Greta, meanwhile, still can’t quite believe her new status: Junior MasterChef 2011 champion. “I feel, like, amazing! I told myself don’t get your hopes up, but here I am! This has been the most amazing experience of my life. I want to continue with food and show the world how much I love it,” she shares.

It seems this is just the beginning of Greta’s culinary journey, and we can’t wait to see where it takes her next.

Suggestions:

MasterChef 2012: Week 3 Highlights

An awe-inspiring Peter Gilmore dessert, a race to create the yummiest Yum Cha, a double Elimination - it's all in a MasterChef week's work.
Elimination Interview: Kath

The irrepressible Kath discusses her Elimination at the cake of Maggie Beer and her feelings at making MasterChef's Top 24.
Elimination Interview: Matt

The youngest of MasterChef 2012's Top 24, Matt talks his journey, Elimination and always moving forward.
Elimination Interview: Lydia

The passionate and determined Lydia discusses her Elimination at the hands of Peter Gilmore's chocolate bombshell.
MasterChef 2012: Week 2 Highlights

Catch up on all the tastiest highs and inedible lows of the Top 24's first week in the MasterChef kitchen.
Elimination Interview: Kevin

First into and out of the Top 24, Kevin Perry talks that chicken dish, pasta disasters and his plans to make inedible stadium food a thing of the past.