Three judges stepped off a pimped out helicopter at the Zwartkops Air Force Base to get the MasterChef episode 3 party started.
The contestants stood waiting to hear what their next challenge would be and then a massive truck, chock full of bags and bags and bags of potatoes peeled out before their eyes. And the challenge to cut the perfect chips began.
Dawn, a 30-year-old communications manager from Johannesburg, was the first contestant to put up her hand. “Every black girl who grew up in the township has had to go the night before family functions and peel, and peel, and peel!” This burgeoning chef got it quickly and went right through to the top 35.
And then, 15 were chopped and MasterChef careers disappeared right before their eyes.
The real challenge set before the 35 would be an endless supply of maize. With such a broad ingredient in the kitchen creativity pushed through the dishes ranging from pastas to popcorn to mielie rice.
While fan favourite “Monkey” swings no longer, Food24 friend, Kamini, holds tight on the reigns of her apron, moving on to the next round with her fluffy fritters that really pleased the judges.
With the pressure on only 16 spots will remain for the hopeful home chefs and we’ll certainly be watching.
For more information and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, visit the official website at www.mnet.co.za and follow MasterChef South Africa on Twitter at @MasterChef_SA and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasterChefSA