Ep 12. Team Challenge: Three Course Menu from Memory

The episode titled "Team Challenge: Three Course Menu from Memory" of MasterChef Australia season 6 begins with the contestants being divided into two teams comprising of six members each. The goal of the team challenge is to recreate a three-course menu from memory that was prepared and plated by the judges.

The teams are given a few minutes to study the visual and sensory aspects of the menu before it is taken away. They are then provided with the ingredients required to make the dishes and have to rely solely on their memory to recreate the dishes.

The challenge is not just about recreating the dishes, but also about how well the teams work together and communicate with each other. The pressure is high as the contestants have to create perfect dishes with limited resources and time and any miscommunication or mistake could be disastrous.

To prepare the entree, the teams have to make a duck consomme with vegetables and a vegetarian alternative. The main course consists of hay-smoked pork with crackling, parsnip puree, apple and red cabbage slaw, and a vegetarian alternative. For dessert, the teams have to create a white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce and honeycomb, and a vegetarian alternative.

The teams face several challenges during the preparation of the dishes. Some contestants struggle with remembering the exact composition of the dishes, while others have difficulty in coordinating with their team members. One of the contestants faces a major setback when he accidentally snaps the handle of his pan while cooking the pork, which causes significant delay in serving the dish.

The judges observe and taste the dishes as they are being prepared and provide feedback on the presentation and taste of the dishes. There are several moments of tension as the contestants wait for the judges' verdict.

Finally, the dishes are plated and presented to the judges. The teams have put in a great effort, but one team emerges as the winner based on the taste, presentation, and resemblance to the original dishes. The losing team faces the pressure test and one of the contestants is eliminated from the competition.

Overall, the episode is a thrilling watch as the contestants face challenges that test their memory, teamwork, and culinary skills. It is a great example of how pressure and limited resources can bring out the best in people and showcases the determination, resilience, and creativity of the contestants.