Ep 10. The First Cut

Contestants on MasterChef Australia season 1 are in for a tough time in episode 10, titled "The First Cut." The judges, Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, and Matt Preston, announce that the bottom four contestants from the previous challenge will have to compete against each other in a pressure test, with the losing contestant being the first to leave the competition.

The challenge for this pressure test is to recreate a dish made by guest chef Neil Perry, a renowned Australian chef and restaurateur. The dish is a Tasmanian salmon with vegetable julienne and a beurre blanc sauce. The contestants must perfectly cook the salmon to medium rare and get the balance of flavors in the sauce just right.

As the contestants begin to cook, the pressure is palpable. They know that this challenge could mean the end of their MasterChef journey if they don't do well. They are all laser-focused on their cooking, trying to make sure that every element of the dish is perfect.

The judges watch closely as the contestants cook, offering advice and suggestions where needed. They are looking for a few key things in this challenge – the perfect cook on the salmon, a delicious and balanced beurre blanc sauce, and a beautiful presentation.

As the cooking time winds down, the tension ramps up. The contestants rush to finish plating their dishes and get them in front of the judges. Each one is hoping that their dish will stand out and keep them in the competition.

The judges taste each dish carefully, analyzing the flavors, textures, and presentation. They offer critiques and praise, but ultimately they must choose one contestant to eliminate from the competition.

In the end, one contestant is sent home, and the rest are left to continue in the competition. The remaining contestants are relieved to have made it through the first elimination challenge, but they know that there are still many more challenges to come.

Overall, "The First Cut" is an intense and exciting episode of MasterChef Australia season 1. The pressure test adds an extra layer of stress to the already challenging competition, and viewers are sure to be on the edge of their seats as they watch the contestants compete. As always, the judges' expertise and guidance are invaluable, and the contestants' passion and hard work shines through in their cooking.