Around this time last year, I was in Adelaide. I’d applied for the 2022 season of the TV show Masterchef and after the initial interviews I was chosen to attend the last audition process and cook for the producers and Callum at his Cooking School Sprout. 

During my all of my interviews, I remember the producers asking me what I want to get out of Masterchef. What was my food dream? It was Sprout, a cooking school where I can come to work to inspire other people to cook good food at home. When I was selected to actually go to Sprout in Adelaide, I was ecstatic. Getting to go and see the business I’d dreamed of, and meeting some amazing new friends, was the best part of my whole Masterchef experience. 

I’m sure if I’d gotten into the Top 25, that would have trumped it. But alas, the Universe has other plans. 

While I was disappointed to miss out on the experience, the little taste I had helped me to realise that I didn’t need Masterchef to live my food dream. Sure, it could have helped my with marketing, but the only thing actually stopping me from making my dream a reality was…me. 

So I did it anyway. 

Last month I opened the doors on my very own Cooking Studio. I’ve created a space on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast where people from all backgrounds, cultures and walks of life can come and cook. Together we learn new recipes, share ideas and inspire each other to create delicious food at home. Food that can be healthy, that nourishes our bodies and minds (because I truly believe Chocolate Cake is nourishment for the soul), that’s achievable for anyone to re-create in their own kitchen. With or without a Thermomix®. 

My Masterchef experience only fuelled my passion and propelled me further towards my food dream. For that, I’m so grateful.