Ep 11. Mystery Box: Ben Shewry

In MasterChef Australia season 9 episode 11, the contestants are surprised with a mystery box challenge featuring guest judge Ben Shewry, a renowned chef from New Zealand. The box contains a variety of ingredients including Australian native foods like wattleseed and sugarbag honey, as well as more common items like pork and cauliflower.

The contestants have 75 minutes to create a dish using the ingredients in the mystery box. Ben Shewry offers tips and advice throughout the challenge, encouraging the contestants to experiment with different flavor combinations and techniques.

As the contestants work, the judges observe and provide feedback. They note the importance of showcasing the native Australian ingredients, but also emphasize the need for balance and cohesion in the dishes.

During the tasting, the judges are impressed with the creativity on display. There are dishes ranging from pork loin with cauliflower puree to wattleseed and honey glazed duck breast. However, as always, there are a few misses and the judges are honest in their critiques.

The top three dishes are singled out for special praise. The first belongs to a contestant who took a risk by incorporating wattleseed into a dessert. The dish is a stunning combination of textures and flavors, earning high marks from the judges.

The second dish is a pork and cauliflower creation that showcases the versatility of both ingredients. The judges appreciate the thoughtful plating and the perfect level of seasoning.

The third dish is a vegetable-forward plate that features a variety of textures and flavors. The dish highlights the unique ingredients in the mystery box while still managing to feel cohesive and well-executed.

In the end, the winner of the challenge is revealed and the bottom three contestants are put up for elimination in the next round. As always, the competition is intense and the stakes are high as the contestants fight to stay in the game.

Overall, MasterChef Australia season 9 episode 11 is a thrilling installment that showcases the contestants' skills and creativity, as well as the importance of highlighting Australian native ingredients. With Ben Shewry as a guest judge, the challenge is especially exciting and the dishes are sure to impress.