Hi,

I don’t even know where to begin this week - so much has happened! From a scrumptious Masterclass and a great mystery box, to a pressure test dish designed by one of my all-time favourite chefs…Oh, and did I mention the tears? Please contestants, no more tears! At least wait until we’re halfway through the competition when things really start to heat up.

On Sunday we saw the first themed invention test, which was Japanese. Callum was a standout and he’s already starting to become one of my favourites, along with Marion who I think will go a long way. Callum’s food presentation was fantastic and more importantly he seems so genuinely eager to learn.

At the beginning of series one I dreaded the invention test because we had to step out of our comfort zone and cook unfamiliar cuisines with ingredients we had either never heard of or had no idea how to cook with. It was so frustrating sometimes but I guess I learnt to adapt to it by incorporating techniques that I knew well.

Another highlight this week was brilliant chef Peter Gilmore of acclaimed restaurant Quay. The test was hard but it would have been an easy choice for the judges this week to send Kate home. Raw chicken equals bad news!

Finally, my favourite, the team challenge. We saw Callum’s team rise to victory. I think the key to this challenge was to not only provide the right food for hungry children but also to get them to like the people on the team. The blue team asked the right questions and listened to what Phoebe wanted, which is super important when you’re cooking to please people. I think the blue team nailed that perfectly.

The series is really starting to take shape; we’re getting to know some of the contestants better and picking our favourites along the way! I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do next!

Justine