1 00:00:01,767 --> 00:00:04,742 It's the MasterChef quarterfinal 2 00:00:04,767 --> 00:00:08,032 and this week's four best cooks are back. 3 00:00:09,848 --> 00:00:12,592 Now that I'm quarter finalist, me, Tigi, the home cook 4 00:00:12,617 --> 00:00:14,992 that sits in his kitchen, dancing around with his kids, 5 00:00:15,017 --> 00:00:18,752 it's like... Literally, it's pretty stunning. 6 00:00:18,777 --> 00:00:23,742 It really is like no other experience I've ever had, 7 00:00:23,767 --> 00:00:27,312 and it's terrifying and it's pushing me, so I just want to carry on 8 00:00:27,337 --> 00:00:29,512 and see how far I can go. 9 00:00:29,537 --> 00:00:32,032 The pressure is so intense, but that's part of the fun, 10 00:00:32,057 --> 00:00:34,642 so it keeps you on your toes. 11 00:00:34,667 --> 00:00:37,442 Initially, I thought, "Well, if I get an apron, I'll be thrilled. 12 00:00:37,467 --> 00:00:39,943 "If I get the quarterfinals, OK, I'll be really pleased." 13 00:00:39,968 --> 00:00:43,002 And now I'm here, I really want to get to the next stage now. 14 00:00:43,027 --> 00:00:47,172 Tonight, their toughest challenge so far stands between them 15 00:00:47,197 --> 00:00:49,833 and a place in the semifinals. 16 00:00:49,858 --> 00:00:52,002 I'm loving this. I think it's a lot of fun. 17 00:00:52,027 --> 00:00:55,262 I would just eat a whole tub of that, no problem. 18 00:00:55,287 --> 00:00:58,592 What we want is food that makes you and I sit up and say, 19 00:00:58,617 --> 00:01:01,242 "Yes, they're a contender for the Championship." 20 00:01:01,267 --> 00:01:04,672 We are throwing them in the deep end and they either sink or swim. 21 00:01:27,337 --> 00:01:29,672 Welcome to a MasterChef quarterfinal. 22 00:01:29,697 --> 00:01:34,032 This is a big day, this is a big challenge. 23 00:01:34,057 --> 00:01:37,823 In the dining room, we have three very special guests. 24 00:01:37,848 --> 00:01:40,042 The finalists from last year, 25 00:01:40,067 --> 00:01:42,392 Alex in a and Mike 26 00:01:42,417 --> 00:01:44,542 and our champion, Tom. 27 00:01:45,827 --> 00:01:49,552 You've got to do two courses in one hour and 15 minutes, 28 00:01:49,577 --> 00:01:52,622 so this is a big challenge, logistically. 29 00:01:52,647 --> 00:01:55,902 I have to tell you there are only two semifinal places, 30 00:01:55,927 --> 00:02:00,972 which, of course, does mean we're going to be losing two of you. 31 00:02:00,997 --> 00:02:04,982 One hour, 15 minutes to do what you do brilliantly well. Let's cook. 32 00:02:16,347 --> 00:02:19,112 Ally loves the classics. He wants to do fine dining. 33 00:02:19,137 --> 00:02:22,512 He knows what he's doing. Fault-free, please, Ally. 34 00:02:22,537 --> 00:02:24,823 If it had been placed before me in a restaurant, 35 00:02:24,848 --> 00:02:28,312 I wouldn't think that there was an amateur in the kitchen. 36 00:02:28,337 --> 00:02:31,242 Grace's comments in the last round were...were amazing. 37 00:02:31,267 --> 00:02:33,342 I was actually speechless, to be quite honest. 38 00:02:33,367 --> 00:02:35,522 If I'm getting the word "restaurant standard" 39 00:02:35,547 --> 00:02:37,262 thrown in amongst my plates of food, 40 00:02:37,287 --> 00:02:39,833 then, you know, I'm obviously doing something right. 41 00:02:50,108 --> 00:02:51,713 GREGG: What do you make of for us, Ally? 42 00:02:51,738 --> 00:02:55,242 I'm doing pan—fried chicken breast with sweetcorn puree. 43 00:02:55,267 --> 00:02:59,472 I'm making a crumb out of popcorn and chicken skin, some charred corn. 44 00:02:59,497 --> 00:03:02,522 So all the flavours of chicken and sweetcorn soup but elevated 45 00:03:02,547 --> 00:03:03,833 to my sort of classic style. 46 00:03:03,858 --> 00:03:07,672 In the dining room today, you have our past champion — Tom. 47 00:03:07,697 --> 00:03:10,073 One of his star dishes was... Chicken and sweetcorn. 48 00:03:10,098 --> 00:03:11,912 How do you think he's going to take it? 49 00:03:11,937 --> 00:03:15,083 Well, I think the inspiration has actually probably started with Tom. 50 00:03:15,108 --> 00:03:16,963 I've done it in a slightly different way. 51 00:03:16,988 --> 00:03:19,552 I'd love him to love it and hopefully he will. 52 00:03:19,577 --> 00:03:22,392 And your second course, Ally? Pina Colada tarte tatin, 53 00:03:22,417 --> 00:03:25,032 so pineapple tarte tatins with a coconut sorbet. 54 00:03:25,057 --> 00:03:27,802 And then rum, where's the rum going? 55 00:03:27,827 --> 00:03:29,192 That's going into the caramel. 56 00:03:29,217 --> 00:03:31,542 I'm hoping that these plates show my classical style, 57 00:03:31,567 --> 00:03:33,682 but a bit of playfulness and fun in there as well. 58 00:03:33,707 --> 00:03:35,802 So, you know, we're here to have fun, ultimately, 59 00:03:35,827 --> 00:03:37,312 so why not do it on the plate? 60 00:03:39,467 --> 00:03:43,442 A bit of fun coming into Ally's food — that I did not expect. 61 00:03:43,467 --> 00:03:45,982 Using popcorn to make a coating for the chicken breast, 62 00:03:46,007 --> 00:03:49,522 that's delightful. I love the idea of that. 63 00:03:49,547 --> 00:03:52,632 Dessert. I love a pina colada. 64 00:03:52,657 --> 00:03:55,672 Put that with some pastry, rum inside that caramel — 65 00:03:55,697 --> 00:03:57,542 oh, yes, please. 66 00:03:57,567 --> 00:03:59,592 I want them to enjoy themselves when they try it. 67 00:03:59,617 --> 00:04:02,062 I really want them to really see what I see in these dishes. 68 00:04:02,087 --> 00:04:06,242 But, equally, I want them to say, "Wow, that tastes amazing." 69 00:04:08,217 --> 00:04:11,352 GREGG: I love Holly's creativity, her inventiveness. 70 00:04:11,377 --> 00:04:14,162 In a potato round, she gave us a dessert. 71 00:04:14,187 --> 00:04:17,912 She gave us sweet potato profiteroles. 72 00:04:17,937 --> 00:04:20,262 SHE GRUNTS 73 00:04:20,287 --> 00:04:23,182 just like an absolute woman on a mission. 74 00:04:30,017 --> 00:04:33,192 How big a challenge is a quarterfinal, Holly? 75 00:04:33,217 --> 00:04:35,242 This is a massive challenge, isn't it? 76 00:04:35,267 --> 00:04:38,672 I'm excited to show you a bit more of like my classical cooking side, 77 00:04:38,697 --> 00:04:42,112 so there's not as much sort of theatricality in today. 78 00:04:42,137 --> 00:04:44,592 So I'm making Tex—Mex oysters. 79 00:04:44,617 --> 00:04:46,422 I spent quite a lot of time in Texas 80 00:04:46,447 --> 00:04:48,122 they love their oysters there. 81 00:04:48,147 --> 00:04:50,713 So we're going to have chillies, jalapenos, with a little bit 82 00:04:50,738 --> 00:04:52,632 of Parmesan cheese, I'm going to grill them. 83 00:04:52,657 --> 00:04:54,963 Parmesan and chilli and oyster? 84 00:04:54,988 --> 00:04:57,833 There's only a tiny bit of Parmesan it's more of a seasoning. 85 00:04:57,858 --> 00:04:59,872 And they're going to be served 86 00:04:59,897 --> 00:05:02,392 with a frozen margarita, of course. 87 00:05:02,417 --> 00:05:05,982 And then, for my main, I'm going to be doing fillet steak 88 00:05:06,007 --> 00:05:09,843 with truffle pomme puree, heritage, carrots, ox cheek bonbon 89 00:05:09,868 --> 00:05:11,845 and an 0x cheek and red wine sauce. 90 00:05:11,870 --> 00:05:14,266 Whoa, hang on a minute. Have you timed this at home? 91 00:05:14,291 --> 00:05:17,506 I have. I just about got it done in time. 92 00:05:17,531 --> 00:05:21,576 You've got to push yourself at this point. No? 93 00:05:21,601 --> 00:05:24,766 One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. One more. 94 00:05:24,791 --> 00:05:27,456 Holly says that she's going to be less theatrical 95 00:05:27,481 --> 00:05:29,336 with her production in this round. Really? 96 00:05:29,361 --> 00:05:32,827 Because I think this is really going for it. 97 00:05:32,852 --> 00:05:36,866 Ox cheek bonbon in an hour and 15 minutes? 98 00:05:36,891 --> 00:05:39,626 There's nowhere to hide in this dish. 99 00:05:39,651 --> 00:05:43,576 So, you know, as much as I can add all the theatricality in the world 100 00:05:43,601 --> 00:05:45,697 and my creativity will get me through, 101 00:05:45,722 --> 00:05:48,216 this dish is me going, "Yeah, that's great. 102 00:05:48,241 --> 00:05:51,406 "But, actually, watch me cook because I'm good." 103 00:05:55,411 --> 00:05:57,766 Sarah has had a great competition so far. 104 00:05:57,791 --> 00:06:00,216 She loves to champion Scottish produce. 105 00:06:00,241 --> 00:06:02,306 She also loves technique. 106 00:06:03,931 --> 00:06:05,546 Throughout this competition, 107 00:06:05,571 --> 00:06:09,026 I have tried to remain kind of true to myself. 108 00:06:09,051 --> 00:06:12,896 I make things that I like to eat myself. 109 00:06:12,921 --> 00:06:15,827 First course — beetroot served with elderflower syrup 110 00:06:15,852 --> 00:06:17,096 and whipped goat's cheese. 111 00:06:17,121 --> 00:06:19,896 Sounds like a salad, but actually there's quite a lot going on. 112 00:06:19,921 --> 00:06:22,026 She's actually preparing the beetroot three ways. 113 00:06:22,051 --> 00:06:25,866 One pickling, one roasting and one in a pot. 114 00:06:25,891 --> 00:06:28,226 It is a lot to do, but I'm getting there, I think. 115 00:06:28,251 --> 00:06:29,697 I'm getting there. 116 00:06:29,722 --> 00:06:30,827 Main course? 117 00:06:30,852 --> 00:06:35,906 The main course is chorizo cooked down in a nice ragu, 118 00:06:35,931 --> 00:06:39,126 and then I'm doing pan—fried cod 119 00:06:39,151 --> 00:06:42,586 and a tempura cod cheek and a tarragon sauce. 120 00:06:42,611 --> 00:06:45,406 We know this competition means a lot to you because your children 121 00:06:45,431 --> 00:06:47,306 are up in Scotland. They are. Right? 122 00:06:47,331 --> 00:06:49,746 And they don't actually even know you're here. 123 00:06:49,771 --> 00:06:52,256 How are you feeling about being detached from your family? 124 00:06:52,281 --> 00:06:55,876 In the parenting stakes, not great, but I'm hoping that there'll be 125 00:06:55,901 --> 00:06:57,947 something to tell them at the end of it. 126 00:07:01,611 --> 00:07:03,666 Sarah is attempting a lot of work, 127 00:07:03,691 --> 00:07:08,336 but can she match the flavour of a cream, white wine, tarragon sauce 128 00:07:08,361 --> 00:07:11,106 with a smoky ragu underneath? 129 00:07:12,521 --> 00:07:15,746 The cod can take it, but it's a careful balancing act. 130 00:07:20,121 --> 00:07:24,586 Insurance broker and on-call firefighter Tigi made it this far 131 00:07:24,611 --> 00:07:28,666 with bold flavours that highlight his West African roots. 132 00:07:29,771 --> 00:07:31,687 Could be worse, I could be in an office right now, 133 00:07:31,712 --> 00:07:34,226 shouting at someone about insurance, but instead I'm cooking 134 00:07:34,251 --> 00:07:36,616 in the quarterfinals of MasterChef. 135 00:07:36,641 --> 00:07:39,546 Tigi decided to veer away from West Africa today 136 00:07:39,571 --> 00:07:41,656 and he's going to the West Indies. 137 00:07:41,681 --> 00:07:44,496 We have got jerked spiced sea bass. 138 00:07:44,521 --> 00:07:48,306 He's serving with a sweet potato and parsnip stack. 139 00:07:48,331 --> 00:07:51,707 Sweet potatoes and parsnips cook at very different times. 140 00:07:51,732 --> 00:07:53,376 I don't know. Maybe it'll work. 141 00:07:53,401 --> 00:07:56,346 Maybe there's enough moisture in that sweet potato to allow 142 00:07:56,371 --> 00:07:58,846 that parsnip to steam and cook all the way through. 143 00:08:01,161 --> 00:08:03,226 And then your next course? 144 00:08:03,251 --> 00:08:07,496 Will be a key lime pie with a coconut cream. 145 00:08:07,521 --> 00:08:09,136 I'm keeping it relatively simple, 146 00:08:09,161 --> 00:08:11,026 but things that I'm very good at, I think. 147 00:08:11,051 --> 00:08:12,856 I'm already selling "I heart Tigi" badges. 148 00:08:12,881 --> 00:08:14,817 It's a good thing to sell, you know? But Tigi... 149 00:08:14,842 --> 00:08:16,746 Tigi is a copyrighted name that only I can use, 150 00:08:16,771 --> 00:08:19,136 just thought I'd let you know that one. 151 00:08:22,331 --> 00:08:24,856 Hopefully it sets and I can get on with all the other bits 152 00:08:24,881 --> 00:08:27,066 and pieces I've got to do. 153 00:08:27,091 --> 00:08:31,306 Just stay focused on your processes and it'll be fine. 154 00:08:36,681 --> 00:08:40,106 My life kind of changed overnight since winning MasterChef. 155 00:08:40,131 --> 00:08:42,666 I'm now doing everything that I kind of ever wanted to do. 156 00:08:42,691 --> 00:08:45,416 I'm writing recipes, I'm going to food festivals, 157 00:08:45,441 --> 00:08:46,697 I'm working on a cookbook, 158 00:08:46,722 --> 00:08:50,666 so kind of all my dreams kind of seemed to come true overnight. 159 00:08:50,691 --> 00:08:53,416 Even on the way here I was feeling a bit nervous. 160 00:08:53,441 --> 00:08:55,216 And actually, you know, I don't have to... 161 00:08:55,241 --> 00:08:56,746 I can just relax and eat some good food. 162 00:08:56,771 --> 00:08:59,616 I know exactly how the contestants are going to be feeling, obviously. 163 00:08:59,641 --> 00:09:01,626 Ahead of this, I'm sure there's a lot of nerves, 164 00:09:01,651 --> 00:09:03,846 but I'm really excited to see what they have to offer. 165 00:09:05,361 --> 00:09:07,736 This is one of my favourite challenges that we've had, 166 00:09:07,761 --> 00:09:09,316 but, knowing what you've got to do 167 00:09:09,341 --> 00:09:11,577 and how you've got to execute it with the time, 168 00:09:11,602 --> 00:09:13,336 yeah, it was a real big challenge. 169 00:09:13,361 --> 00:09:16,066 Your tummy's doing somersaults, so I hope they're all right. 170 00:09:17,491 --> 00:09:19,986 Much better to be on this side of the table, though. 171 00:09:24,781 --> 00:09:27,776 OK, so main course should be going in four minutes. Yep. 172 00:09:27,801 --> 00:09:29,957 And have you get your tarte tatins in yet? 173 00:09:29,982 --> 00:09:31,666 What are you going to do? 174 00:09:31,691 --> 00:09:33,746 Go very quickly, john. 175 00:09:33,771 --> 00:09:37,746 You've got to get those in and then get on that main course straight away, yeah? Yeah. 176 00:09:39,501 --> 00:09:44,026 Ally is doing pan-fried chicken breast with a sweetcorn puree, 177 00:09:44,051 --> 00:09:46,466 a chicken skin and popcorn crumb. 178 00:09:46,491 --> 00:09:49,827 Sounds a little bit familiar to me as I did a dish quite similar, 179 00:09:49,852 --> 00:09:52,386 but love all those flavours. 180 00:09:52,411 --> 00:09:54,936 I'm interested to see how he cooks that chicken breast, 181 00:09:54,961 --> 00:09:57,186 if he keeps it moist. 182 00:09:57,211 --> 00:09:58,976 Chicken looks good. Done? Yeah? Yeah. 183 00:10:00,521 --> 00:10:03,316 And I love the sort of char on the sweetcorn to add a bit 184 00:10:03,341 --> 00:10:05,116 of extra dimension. 185 00:10:05,141 --> 00:10:07,486 So, yeah, I'm really looking forward to trying it. 186 00:10:07,511 --> 00:10:11,416 Just sauce to go in the jugs and a bit of coriander oil. John: OK. 187 00:10:11,441 --> 00:10:12,476 Off yOLI 9°- 188 00:10:19,401 --> 00:10:22,036 Ally's main course is chicken breast 189 00:10:22,061 --> 00:10:25,466 coated in a chicken skin and popcorn crumb, 190 00:10:25,491 --> 00:10:27,666 served with a sweetcorn puree, 191 00:10:27,691 --> 00:10:30,496 charred corn and a chicken butter sauce. 192 00:10:36,881 --> 00:10:39,666 I love the popcorn crumb, but I feel like the chicken probably 193 00:10:39,691 --> 00:10:42,426 has been hit a little bit hard with the heat 194 00:10:42,451 --> 00:10:46,577 and it's started to go just a little bit dry for me. 195 00:10:46,602 --> 00:10:49,296 But the skin is lovely, the skin is really crisp. 196 00:10:49,321 --> 00:10:52,116 I just want this to be pushed a little bit further. 197 00:10:52,141 --> 00:10:54,697 I want the sweetcorn to be more charred, 198 00:10:54,722 --> 00:10:57,846 the sauce to be thicker and coating the spoon. 199 00:10:57,871 --> 00:11:01,036 I think those small things would take it from being a good dish 200 00:11:01,061 --> 00:11:03,577 to a really, really excellent dish. 201 00:11:05,641 --> 00:11:08,846 I really like the flavour of that popcorn and the chicken skin 202 00:11:08,871 --> 00:11:10,746 mixed together, but there are issues. 203 00:11:10,771 --> 00:11:12,986 The chicken breast is drying out 204 00:11:13,011 --> 00:11:15,776 and that sweetcorn sauce is too bland. 205 00:11:19,651 --> 00:11:21,396 How are we looking on the tartes? 206 00:11:21,421 --> 00:11:24,206 Yeah, they're looking quite good. Are they? Looking good, yeah. 207 00:11:24,231 --> 00:11:26,556 We've got four, four minutes to go. 208 00:11:27,801 --> 00:11:30,416 I think they'll be cooked, fingers crossed. 209 00:11:31,931 --> 00:11:33,986 Pina colada tarte tatin excites me. 210 00:11:34,011 --> 00:11:35,296 I don't know about you guys, 211 00:11:35,321 --> 00:11:37,546 but I was looking for something different here 212 00:11:37,571 --> 00:11:39,827 and so interested to see his sort of take on it. 213 00:11:42,961 --> 00:11:46,496 ALEXINA: You really that pastry to be perfect, not too soggy. 214 00:11:46,521 --> 00:11:48,936 The caramel needs to be taken far enough, 215 00:11:48,961 --> 00:11:51,106 so you've got a decent amount of bitterness in it 216 00:11:51,131 --> 00:11:52,626 to balance out the sweetness. 217 00:11:54,602 --> 00:11:58,577 Maybe not be as presentable as I'd hoped, but, you know, still happy. 218 00:12:00,041 --> 00:12:03,697 Go, go, go. Well done, Ally. Cheers. Thank you. 219 00:12:08,001 --> 00:12:11,296 So I've made for you a pina colada tarte tatin, 220 00:12:11,321 --> 00:12:14,106 pineapple tarte tatin with coconut sorbet 221 00:12:14,131 --> 00:12:16,666 that's topped with some toasted coconut flakes 222 00:12:16,691 --> 00:12:20,186 and a little bit of micro coriander, my favourite herbs. Enjoy. 223 00:12:25,491 --> 00:12:28,196 I think it's a really lovely, morish dish. 224 00:12:28,221 --> 00:12:29,716 I think the flavours are great. 225 00:12:29,741 --> 00:12:34,430 You've got that juicy pineapple, lovely, flaky puff pastry. 226 00:12:34,455 --> 00:12:36,760 What I especially love is this coconut sorbet 227 00:12:36,785 --> 00:12:40,200 because it's not too sweet, it's silky smooth. 228 00:12:40,225 --> 00:12:43,350 I would just eat a whole tub of that, no problem. 229 00:12:43,375 --> 00:12:46,940 The only thing I would say was, I'd want a little bit more caramel. 230 00:12:46,965 --> 00:12:48,711 I'd like a little bit more rum. 231 00:12:48,736 --> 00:12:50,630 Similarly to the first course, 232 00:12:50,655 --> 00:12:53,550 I just want him to push it a little more. 233 00:12:54,866 --> 00:12:57,280 It's not a grown-up pina colada flavour. 234 00:12:57,305 --> 00:12:59,870 It doesn't have that warmth of rum on the back of your throat. 235 00:12:59,895 --> 00:13:02,380 I'd like a lot more caramel with that pineapple. 236 00:13:02,405 --> 00:13:05,190 But this coconut sorbet is fantastic. 237 00:13:06,655 --> 00:13:08,660 That's one of the hardest things I've ever done. 238 00:13:08,685 --> 00:13:11,220 Yes, there are some little bits I wasn't quite happy with, 239 00:13:11,245 --> 00:13:13,430 but, all in all, I'm pretty proud of what I've done. 240 00:13:20,945 --> 00:13:24,220 OK, you've got ten minutes, OK? Ten? Yeah, ten minutes. Wonderful. 241 00:13:24,245 --> 00:13:25,750 I think I'm going to be on time. 242 00:13:25,775 --> 00:13:27,800 It's not the first course I'm worried about 243 00:13:27,825 --> 00:13:29,060 it's those ox cheeks. 244 00:13:30,375 --> 00:13:32,910 I love oysters, so I'm really excited about this one. 245 00:13:32,935 --> 00:13:36,790 Tex-Mex, like fresh, spicy flavours. Should be great. 246 00:13:38,025 --> 00:13:40,630 This is your Tex-Mex butter, right? This is my Tex-Mex butter. 247 00:13:40,655 --> 00:13:42,430 Have you added the cheese yet? No. Right. 248 00:13:42,455 --> 00:13:45,591 Do you know exactly how much? It's like a tiny weeny bit. 249 00:13:45,616 --> 00:13:47,120 I don't want it cheesy. 250 00:13:48,255 --> 00:13:51,711 I really hope she hasn't overpowered the oyster, 251 00:13:51,736 --> 00:13:56,120 given the fact that they've got a really delicate, sweet flavour. 252 00:13:56,145 --> 00:13:58,740 How are they looking, Holly? They're looking all right. 253 00:13:58,765 --> 00:14:01,120 Quick, quick, quick, quick, quick, quick, quick. 254 00:14:03,736 --> 00:14:06,190 I like that. That's got style, Holly. 255 00:14:07,575 --> 00:14:11,020 All right. Well done, Holly. Thank you. Go, go, go. 256 00:14:13,685 --> 00:14:15,560 Hello! 257 00:14:17,405 --> 00:14:21,711 And I have made you Tex-Mex oysters with a frozen margarita. 258 00:14:22,765 --> 00:14:23,950 Cheers. 259 00:14:27,585 --> 00:14:30,310 I'm really impressed with how the oysters have managed 260 00:14:30,335 --> 00:14:32,831 to keep their freshness through that really strong sauce 261 00:14:32,856 --> 00:14:34,870 because it is strong, it is punchy. 262 00:14:34,895 --> 00:14:38,270 When I tasted it, I thought, "Where's the acidity?" 263 00:14:38,295 --> 00:14:41,480 But then of course you get that from the frozen margaritas. 264 00:14:41,505 --> 00:14:43,510 I'm loving this. I think it's a lot of fun. 265 00:14:43,535 --> 00:14:46,190 I think it's really tasty. 266 00:14:46,215 --> 00:14:49,350 I think Holly's done a really good job here. 267 00:14:49,375 --> 00:14:51,550 She's shucked them, she's loosened them, 268 00:14:51,575 --> 00:14:53,380 she's turned them over as well. 269 00:14:53,405 --> 00:14:54,841 Wow, she's done that pretty quick. 270 00:14:57,765 --> 00:15:01,510 Just enough cheese to give it tang, but not enough to make it cheesy. 271 00:15:01,535 --> 00:15:02,831 Well done, Holly. 272 00:15:02,856 --> 00:15:05,070 There's a lovely bit of spice coming from the jalapeño — 273 00:15:05,095 --> 00:15:06,471 I like that a lot — 274 00:15:06,496 --> 00:15:10,780 and that margarita is purposely sour to go with those oysters. 275 00:15:10,805 --> 00:15:12,461 Holly's dishes are fun. 276 00:15:15,616 --> 00:15:17,990 Ten minutes, Holly. You OK? Yeah, I think so. 277 00:15:18,015 --> 00:15:19,560 You sure? Yeah. 278 00:15:19,585 --> 00:15:22,721 I'm not convinced, but you've got ten minutes. Thank you. 279 00:15:22,746 --> 00:15:25,310 Do a lot with ten minutes. 280 00:15:25,335 --> 00:15:29,270 Holly's main is one that I think you guys know will really sing to me. 281 00:15:29,295 --> 00:15:31,020 The beef fillet, just full of flavour, 282 00:15:31,045 --> 00:15:33,461 it's definitely one of my favourite cuts. 283 00:15:33,486 --> 00:15:35,630 I'm a little bit worried about that ox cheek 284 00:15:35,655 --> 00:15:38,790 I hope she's had enough time to get it nice and soft. 285 00:15:38,815 --> 00:15:42,190 Stick a fork in those for me. I'm desperate to know whether they're cooked or not. 286 00:15:42,215 --> 00:15:43,910 Oh, God, I don't know. Me, too. 287 00:15:44,935 --> 00:15:46,360 They're not amazing. 288 00:15:48,866 --> 00:15:51,070 I'm going to try and make the bonbons. 289 00:15:51,095 --> 00:15:52,520 All those other elements, 290 00:15:52,545 --> 00:15:56,070 the pomme puree, the carrots, the kale and the sauce... 291 00:15:56,095 --> 00:15:57,820 There's part of me that's just thinking, 292 00:15:57,845 --> 00:16:02,320 "Have you taken on too much?" I'm not sure. I really hope it works. 293 00:16:02,345 --> 00:16:05,270 JOHN: Two minutes left now, Holly. 294 00:16:05,295 --> 00:16:07,160 So what do you got left to get on the plate? 295 00:16:07,185 --> 00:16:08,640 I've just got to put the fillet on. 296 00:16:08,665 --> 00:16:10,100 I'm going to go with the carrots. 297 00:16:13,975 --> 00:16:16,070 You've got one minute, Holly. 298 00:16:23,055 --> 00:16:24,360 Come on, let's go. 299 00:16:26,415 --> 00:16:28,386 Hello again. Hi. Hello. 300 00:16:31,170 --> 00:16:36,555 I have made fillet steak with a truffle mash, crispy kale, 301 00:16:36,580 --> 00:16:41,655 heritage carries, and an 0x cheek and red wine sauce. 302 00:16:47,611 --> 00:16:50,706 I'm actually quite impressed with the bonbon, given the time 303 00:16:50,731 --> 00:16:53,586 that she had, that ox cheek is nice and soft on the inside. 304 00:16:53,611 --> 00:16:56,716 And the beef fillet is cooked beautifully. Lovely, medium rare. 305 00:16:56,741 --> 00:16:59,706 It's been allowed to rest as well, which is super important. 306 00:16:59,731 --> 00:17:01,865 The mash is lovely. It's smooth. 307 00:17:01,890 --> 00:17:04,745 Overall, Holly's done a really good job. 308 00:17:06,090 --> 00:17:08,706 The meat for the bonbon isn't cooked down enough, 309 00:17:08,731 --> 00:17:13,095 but, saying that, she's ambitious and she can cook. 310 00:17:13,120 --> 00:17:15,785 I think it tastes good. I think it tastes really good. 311 00:17:18,300 --> 00:17:19,815 That was absolutely crazy, 312 00:17:19,840 --> 00:17:22,355 I can't believe I got everything done on time. 313 00:17:22,380 --> 00:17:25,105 That was just amazing, to be able to say that I've done that 314 00:17:25,130 --> 00:17:28,555 bucket list, done, check. Amazing. 315 00:17:32,060 --> 00:17:34,915 Sarah, you've got about six minutes to go, so you need to think 316 00:17:34,940 --> 00:17:37,175 about plating your first course. OK. 317 00:17:37,200 --> 00:17:41,065 I'm confident I'll get this out in time. That's OK. 318 00:17:41,090 --> 00:17:43,315 I don't want to say, "Yeah, it's going fine," 319 00:17:43,340 --> 00:17:45,785 and then it's all a disaster. 320 00:17:45,810 --> 00:17:47,905 Sarah is giving us absolute classic 321 00:17:47,930 --> 00:17:50,275 flavour combinations with her starter — 322 00:17:50,300 --> 00:17:52,225 the goat's cheese, beetroot. 323 00:17:53,250 --> 00:17:56,716 I'd love it if we got a couple of different ways with the beetroot. 324 00:17:58,180 --> 00:18:00,785 That goat's cheese has to be perfectly light. 325 00:18:00,810 --> 00:18:03,665 Sometimes, when you get whipped goat's cheese, it's really heavy 326 00:18:03,690 --> 00:18:04,945 and that's not what we want. 327 00:18:04,970 --> 00:18:06,645 All done? Yeah. 328 00:18:11,850 --> 00:18:15,435 Sarah's starter is beetroot three ways — 329 00:18:15,460 --> 00:18:18,735 roasted, boiled and pickled — 330 00:18:18,760 --> 00:18:23,345 served with whipped goat's cheese, pear-infused with elderflower, 331 00:18:23,370 --> 00:18:26,355 hazelnuts and an elderflower vinaigrette. 332 00:18:30,290 --> 00:18:34,995 This wonderful, sweet, earthy beetroot. 333 00:18:35,020 --> 00:18:38,155 I love that touch of acidity from the pickle. 334 00:18:38,180 --> 00:18:41,015 The goat's cheese is lovely and mild and smooth. 335 00:18:41,040 --> 00:18:43,865 You've got sweetness coming from the pear. 336 00:18:43,890 --> 00:18:46,275 I think the flavours were bang-on. 337 00:18:46,300 --> 00:18:49,265 A lot of work has gone in to each piece and, when you have them 338 00:18:49,290 --> 00:18:50,745 together, even better. 339 00:18:50,770 --> 00:18:54,535 But there's just not enough of it for me for it to be a real dish. 340 00:18:57,300 --> 00:18:59,716 Everything on that plate is absolutely delicious, 341 00:18:59,741 --> 00:19:03,466 but I've had three mouthfuls and I've got nothing left. 342 00:19:08,260 --> 00:19:11,315 You've got seven minutes, Sarah. OK. Tempura cheeks are on? 343 00:19:11,340 --> 00:19:12,995 No, I'm just going to do them right now. 344 00:19:13,020 --> 00:19:15,586 I'm just waiting to flip my fish and then I'll go and do them. 345 00:19:17,980 --> 00:19:20,716 First thing that comes to mind is that cod's got to be perfectly 346 00:19:20,741 --> 00:19:23,515 cooked, and she's got it two ways here, so she's given herself 347 00:19:23,540 --> 00:19:24,905 an extra challenge. 348 00:19:29,481 --> 00:19:31,895 The chorizo and tarragon sauce is the only thing that's 349 00:19:31,920 --> 00:19:33,615 really giving me cause for concern 350 00:19:33,640 --> 00:19:36,905 I just wonder how those flavours are going to marry on the plate. 351 00:19:40,611 --> 00:19:43,875 Fish cooked OK? I think 50—50. 352 00:19:43,900 --> 00:19:46,315 I think there might be one that's a bit over. 353 00:19:47,970 --> 00:19:50,175 That looks great. Come on, let's go. 354 00:19:55,050 --> 00:19:57,795 I have made for you a pan—fried piece of cod 355 00:19:57,820 --> 00:20:00,075 with a tempura cod cheek, 356 00:20:00,100 --> 00:20:05,155 tarragon sauce and fricassee of peas, shallots, spring onions 357 00:20:05,180 --> 00:20:08,795 and chorizo. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. 358 00:20:12,540 --> 00:20:16,305 She's cooked the fish brilliantly, it's flaking. 359 00:20:16,330 --> 00:20:21,515 The cod cheek, that tempura batter is so light and crispy. 360 00:20:21,540 --> 00:20:23,875 I'm really impressed with that. 361 00:20:23,900 --> 00:20:26,105 Overall, the flavours are really well-balanced. 362 00:20:26,130 --> 00:20:28,545 They sort of just sing in harmony, I think. 363 00:20:28,570 --> 00:20:30,726 I was a little bit apprehensive about the chorizo, 364 00:20:30,751 --> 00:20:33,105 but it actually works really well with the fish. 365 00:20:33,130 --> 00:20:35,456 I think she's done a really great job with this. 366 00:20:38,570 --> 00:20:41,035 Good-looking dish, fish cookery is great. 367 00:20:41,060 --> 00:20:42,665 I like the fact that I've got a little, 368 00:20:42,690 --> 00:20:45,515 faint bit of chicken stock flavour coming through those peas and 369 00:20:45,540 --> 00:20:47,435 chorizo and then the richness of fish stock 370 00:20:47,460 --> 00:20:48,805 coming through the sauce. 371 00:20:48,830 --> 00:20:52,435 So it really tastes quite fishy, a taste of the sea. 372 00:20:53,560 --> 00:20:55,955 I'm not sure how I feel, actually. 373 00:20:55,980 --> 00:20:58,075 When I was doing it, I was really enjoying it. 374 00:20:58,100 --> 00:20:59,895 I was really having a blast doing that. 375 00:20:59,920 --> 00:21:01,795 But, yeah, I'm very glad it's finished now. 376 00:21:04,970 --> 00:21:07,755 Tigi, 15 minutes on that first course. OK, mate. 377 00:21:07,780 --> 00:21:10,235 You got fish to do? Fish to do. Stack in the oven? 378 00:21:10,260 --> 00:21:13,265 Stack's in the oven. Wonderful. 379 00:21:15,650 --> 00:21:19,515 Tigi, for his main course, is making us jerk sea bass 380 00:21:19,540 --> 00:21:21,745 with sweet potato stacks. 381 00:21:21,770 --> 00:21:23,955 Jerk's not something I'm awfully familiar with, 382 00:21:23,980 --> 00:21:26,385 so I'm really excited to try this. 383 00:21:27,650 --> 00:21:30,315 I hope he doesn't knock our heads off too much. 384 00:21:30,340 --> 00:21:32,665 I'm ready for the heat, I think. 385 00:21:32,690 --> 00:21:36,545 JOHN: Happy with that? Yeah, I think so. Smells good. 386 00:21:37,741 --> 00:21:39,225 Are they cooked enough? 387 00:21:39,250 --> 00:21:41,265 Probably give it another ten minutes, to be fair. 388 00:21:41,290 --> 00:21:42,955 Don't have that, do we, mate? No, we don't. 389 00:21:45,780 --> 00:21:47,435 Come on, Tigi. Go, go, go. 390 00:21:49,820 --> 00:21:51,755 Hi. Hello. 391 00:21:55,010 --> 00:21:57,315 I've done a jerk spiced sea bass 392 00:21:57,340 --> 00:22:01,755 with broccoli and a sweet potato and parsnip stack in sage butter. 393 00:22:02,820 --> 00:22:05,515 Thank you. Thank you. Thanks. 394 00:22:09,060 --> 00:22:12,625 Well, the flavour on that fish is fantastic. 395 00:22:12,650 --> 00:22:15,865 I love that jerk seasoning that's on there. 396 00:22:15,890 --> 00:22:19,265 The sweet potato, for me, and the parsnip is a bit under, 397 00:22:19,290 --> 00:22:20,825 so it's a little bit hard. 398 00:22:20,850 --> 00:22:23,065 Seems to have snuck a bit of Parmesan in there as well, 399 00:22:23,090 --> 00:22:26,195 which I'm not sure comes together with the rest of the dish. 400 00:22:26,220 --> 00:22:28,515 We could have drained a little bit of that butter 401 00:22:28,540 --> 00:22:30,105 off of that stack, to be honest. 402 00:22:32,361 --> 00:22:35,035 I like the fish. Fish is cooked really nicely for me 403 00:22:35,060 --> 00:22:37,145 and I love the jerk seasoning around it. 404 00:22:37,170 --> 00:22:40,035 But the broccoli, unfortunately, is waterlogged and washes away 405 00:22:40,060 --> 00:22:42,785 all the lovely flavour of the jerk, which is a shame. 406 00:22:42,810 --> 00:22:45,795 And then the stack's not cooked enough. 407 00:22:46,900 --> 00:22:51,346 OK, Tigi? Yeah. Dessert time? Yeah. Go on, mate. 408 00:22:51,371 --> 00:22:53,805 They're looking all right... 409 00:22:53,830 --> 00:22:55,025 ...surprisingly. 410 00:22:55,050 --> 00:22:57,755 ALEXINA: I'm really excited for this dessert. I love key lime pie, 411 00:22:57,780 --> 00:22:59,915 it's one of my absolute favourites. 412 00:22:59,940 --> 00:23:03,545 I think it can be really elegant, really pretty, but big, powerful 413 00:23:03,570 --> 00:23:05,625 flavours in there as well. 414 00:23:05,650 --> 00:23:08,955 It's with this whipped coconut milk, I hope that's nice and light. 415 00:23:10,060 --> 00:23:12,265 GREGG: Yes! Oh! 416 00:23:13,300 --> 00:23:14,315 Come on. 417 00:23:16,900 --> 00:23:18,715 We ready? Let's go. 418 00:23:21,190 --> 00:23:26,185 Tigi's dessert is a key lime pie, ginger biscuit base, 419 00:23:26,210 --> 00:23:29,555 topped with lime-infused set condensed milk, 420 00:23:29,580 --> 00:23:34,185 served with a coconut milk cream and coconut flakes. 421 00:23:34,210 --> 00:23:36,795 Hope you like it. Lovely. Thank you. Cheers. 422 00:23:41,300 --> 00:23:44,315 The main event, which is the key lime pie, is delicious. 423 00:23:44,340 --> 00:23:48,065 Like, it's got a buttery biscuit, ginger base 424 00:23:48,090 --> 00:23:51,466 and it's got a lovely cream on top, which is smooth. 425 00:23:51,491 --> 00:23:54,185 It's got lots of lime, it's got sharpness. 426 00:23:54,210 --> 00:23:56,805 I'm actually really glad he did put the cream on the side 427 00:23:56,830 --> 00:23:59,315 because I think it just needed it just to take the edge off, 428 00:23:59,340 --> 00:24:02,315 sometimes, with that constant hit of lime. 429 00:24:02,340 --> 00:24:05,325 But I would have liked it to be lighter and more whipped, 430 00:24:05,350 --> 00:24:09,065 and then I really would have liked to have seen that coconut toasted 431 00:24:09,090 --> 00:24:12,315 because I think that would have added another dimension of flavour. 432 00:24:13,780 --> 00:24:17,885 Sharpness of lime, mellow nuttiness of coconut and that heat of ginger 433 00:24:17,910 --> 00:24:19,985 at the bottom, I really like this a lot. 434 00:24:20,010 --> 00:24:21,596 But it's very, very sweet. 435 00:24:21,621 --> 00:24:24,596 I like the coconut because the coconut gives me a bit of respite 436 00:24:24,621 --> 00:24:26,755 from the actual sweetness of the dish itself. 437 00:24:28,450 --> 00:24:30,915 That was like the most highly pressurised situation ever, 438 00:24:30,940 --> 00:24:34,525 but, you know, I still remain relatively calm, which was good. 439 00:24:34,550 --> 00:24:38,955 Yeah, it was fun. No, it was good, actually. I really enjoyed that. 440 00:24:38,980 --> 00:24:40,755 A really tough cook-off. 441 00:24:40,780 --> 00:24:44,486 And, actually, I've got to say, our four held their nerve. 442 00:24:44,511 --> 00:24:46,115 We've got to make a decision 443 00:24:46,140 --> 00:24:50,185 because we've only got two semifinal places to give. 444 00:24:50,210 --> 00:24:54,075 Holly has got ambition and I like the design of her dishes. 445 00:24:54,100 --> 00:24:55,885 John, she's got a point of difference. 446 00:24:55,910 --> 00:24:58,955 I think Holly is great. I think she gets herself a semifinal place. 447 00:24:58,980 --> 00:25:02,315 We agreed? I really like Holly, yeah. 448 00:25:02,340 --> 00:25:04,065 Tigi is demonstrated once again 449 00:25:04,090 --> 00:25:06,346 that he can conjure up really good flavour. 450 00:25:06,371 --> 00:25:08,775 But we had broccoli, which was waterlogged, 451 00:25:08,800 --> 00:25:12,185 and that stack, for me, was not cooked enough. 452 00:25:12,210 --> 00:25:14,625 And the key lime pie was very sweet. 453 00:25:15,860 --> 00:25:21,065 Sarah, first course — beetroot three ways — was absolutely delicious. 454 00:25:21,090 --> 00:25:22,905 There just wasn't enough of it. 455 00:25:22,930 --> 00:25:26,785 But her main course, that fish was beautiful. 456 00:25:26,810 --> 00:25:29,275 Ally surprised me today with his choice of dishes. 457 00:25:29,300 --> 00:25:32,055 However, that chicken was going a little dry 458 00:25:32,080 --> 00:25:34,755 and his sweetcorn was a little bland. 459 00:25:34,780 --> 00:25:37,346 But I particularly loved Ally's coconut sorbet, 460 00:25:37,371 --> 00:25:38,885 and so did the dining room. 461 00:25:38,910 --> 00:25:41,466 However, we could have done with some more rum 462 00:25:41,491 --> 00:25:43,055 and some more caramel. 463 00:25:49,940 --> 00:25:52,515 I'm on top of Everest just now. If I go any higher, then, you know, 464 00:25:52,540 --> 00:25:54,885 I don't know what's going to come up in the stratosphere. 465 00:25:54,910 --> 00:25:57,145 But, yeah, if I got through, it'd be massive for me. 466 00:25:57,170 --> 00:25:59,675 Semifinal, wow, you know, that's...that's huge. 467 00:25:59,700 --> 00:26:01,065 I'm not sure if I've done enough. 468 00:26:01,090 --> 00:26:03,745 I didn't have any bells and whistles, particularly, 469 00:26:03,770 --> 00:26:06,145 and those other guys are absolutely knockout. 470 00:26:07,520 --> 00:26:10,325 If someone said to me, "What would be your great wish?" 471 00:26:10,350 --> 00:26:12,606 Stay in this for as long as possible and win it. 472 00:26:12,631 --> 00:26:16,346 But I'm a realist. Let's see what happens. 473 00:26:18,060 --> 00:26:20,555 You have done the MasterChef Kitchen proud. 474 00:26:20,580 --> 00:26:23,065 It has been an extraordinary round. 475 00:26:25,511 --> 00:26:27,145 Our first semifinalist... 476 00:26:33,350 --> 00:26:34,346 ...is Holly. 477 00:26:37,621 --> 00:26:39,275 Congratulations, Holly. 478 00:26:40,340 --> 00:26:41,625 Thank you so much. 479 00:26:42,810 --> 00:26:44,915 Crazy, well done, well done. 480 00:26:47,270 --> 00:26:49,395 Our second semifinalist is... 481 00:26:55,790 --> 00:26:57,115 ...Sarah. 482 00:27:01,340 --> 00:27:02,555 Well done. 483 00:27:04,300 --> 00:27:07,435 Tigi, Ally, very, very well done indeed. 484 00:27:12,300 --> 00:27:14,425 Of course it's disappointing to be going home, 485 00:27:14,450 --> 00:27:16,065 but it's always going to be tough. 486 00:27:16,090 --> 00:27:19,606 I watched it for 17 years and it's never looked easy to do. 487 00:27:19,631 --> 00:27:21,675 It's just amazing to be in it. 488 00:27:21,700 --> 00:27:24,635 ALLY: I'm happy with where I got to, so no complaints, no regrets at all. 489 00:27:24,660 --> 00:27:26,356 Experience cooking in that kitchen, 490 00:27:26,381 --> 00:27:28,195 it's nothing I've experienced before. 491 00:27:28,220 --> 00:27:30,325 It'll live with me for a very, very long time. 492 00:27:33,340 --> 00:27:36,625 Holly, Sarah, MasterChef semifinals, congratulations. 493 00:27:36,650 --> 00:27:38,226 Oh, my God. 494 00:27:38,251 --> 00:27:39,435 Oh, my goodness. 495 00:27:40,940 --> 00:27:43,405 Totally, totally stunned. 496 00:27:43,430 --> 00:27:45,845 I genuinely thought John had said the wrong name. 497 00:27:45,870 --> 00:27:48,035 I kept expecting him to say, "Oh, no, wait a minute." 498 00:27:48,060 --> 00:27:50,555 I'm so pleased, though. It's amazing. 499 00:27:51,740 --> 00:27:54,835 HOLLY: Sorry, I cannot articulate this because it's... 500 00:27:54,860 --> 00:27:58,915 I just cannot believe that I'm a semifinalist. 501 00:28:00,090 --> 00:28:03,045 Oh, it's so exciting, I'm so happy. 502 00:28:03,070 --> 00:28:05,145 Semifinals, here we come. 503 00:28:05,170 --> 00:28:06,545 I'm ready, I'm ready. 504 00:28:08,450 --> 00:28:12,995 Next time, nine new hopefuls audition for the right 505 00:28:13,020 --> 00:28:16,395 to wear a coveted MasterChef apron... 506 00:28:16,420 --> 00:28:19,476 The pressure is on. Come on, come on. 507 00:28:19,501 --> 00:28:20,965 ...and to secure their place... 508 00:28:20,990 --> 00:28:23,695 I'm going to bring peasant food to MasterChef to show it's bus sin', 509 00:28:23,720 --> 00:28:24,755 you know what I'm saying? 510 00:28:24,780 --> 00:28:26,226 ...in the competition. 511 00:28:26,251 --> 00:28:29,395 It's lip-smacking, tongue—tingling, absolutely delicious.