Ep 45. Episode 45

In MasterChef Australia season 11 episode 45, the top five contestants face a daunting challenge as they head to South Australia's McLaren Vale wine region for a pressure test. The challenge involves replicating a dish from renowned chef and restaurateur Jock Zonfrillo's restaurant, Orana.

The dish, known as "Marron Tastes Like Chicken," features marron (a type of freshwater crayfish), fermented corn, and nasturtium leaves. Jock Zonfrillo appears in the episode to explain the intricacies of the dish and offer some advice to the contestants.

The pressure test is highly complex and requires a great deal of precision and creativity. The contestants must first catch their own marron in a nearby pond and then prepare it in a way that accurately reflects the flavors and textures of Zonfrillo's dish. This includes fermenting the corn and arranging the nasturtium leaves in an aesthetically pleasing way.

The pressure in the kitchen is palpable as the contestants work to replicate the dish to the best of their abilities. The judges, including Matt Preston, George Calombaris, and Gary Mehigan, closely observe their progress and offer feedback throughout the challenge.

As the contestants work, they reflect on their personal journeys throughout the competition and express their excitement and nerves about the potential outcomes of the pressure test. Each of them is determined to do their best and impress the judges with their culinary skills.

After several intense hours of cooking, the contestants present their dishes to the judges for evaluation. The judges taste each dish and offer critiques and feedback based on the accuracy, flavor, and presentation of the dish.

The suspense builds as the judges deliberate and ultimately announce the winner of the pressure test. The winner is granted an advantage in the forthcoming challenge, while the bottom two contestants face elimination in the following episode.

Overall, MasterChef Australia season 11 episode 45 is a thrilling and high-stakes episode that showcases the fierce competition and incredible culinary talent of the top five contestants. It is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates the art of cooking.