Recap | MKR on Channel 7 and 7plus (17 November) – Caz and Fergus secure MKR Grand Final spot. Nail-biting sudden death semi-final.
Tonight, MKR’s first semi-final saw a matriarchal match-up for the ages, as mother and son Caz and Fergus went head-to-head with mother and daughter Janey and Maddie in a nail-biting elimination cook-off.
Judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge agreed tonight’s cooking standard was “Grand Final level on both sides.”
Manu admitted it was “neck and neck,” before Caz and Fergus ultimately triumphed, becoming the first mother and son team to advance to the MKR Grand Final.
Fellow semi-finalists Simone and Viviana, and Mike and Pete watched on as tonight’s sudden death cook-off saw both teams prepare a three-course meal. The stakes were high as they cooked against the clock with 90 minutes for entrée, 60 minutes for main and 45 minutes for dessert.
Caz and Fergus from NSW entered MKR as Gatecrashers and enjoyed a crucial 15-minute head start tonight as winners of the last Kitchen HQ challenge. Their cooking skills shone with an Asian-inspired menu of Grilled Pork Jowl with Nahm Jim Jaew for entrée, Choo Chee Ocean Trout with Papaya Salad for main and dessert of Panna Cotta.
After previous feedback from the judges, Caz said: “Colin told us not to hold back on the flavour, so that’s what we’re setting out to achieve today.”
Janey and Maddie, from Victoria, challenged themselves with a technical menu of Kingfish Ceviche for entrée, Beef Wellington for main and Raspberry Soufflé with Raspberry Sauce for dessert.
Manu was “smacked in the face with flavour” from Caz and Fergus’ pork jowl entrée. Colin agreed the “very chefy” dish had a “beautiful smokiness.” Janey and Maddie also came out of the gates strong. The ceviche was a “brilliant start” only missing a bit of texture on the plate.
“Both teams couldn’t have had a better start,” Colin admitted.
Caz and Fergus upped the ante with their main: an ocean trout Colin “could eat all day.”
Manu agreed: “They haven’t held back on flavour.” After questioning whether the meat would cook in time, Janey and Maddie were hot on their heels with a perfectly cooked beef wellington. Manu loved the seasoning, but the red wine jus fell flat with a “watery, not beefy body flavour.”
Colin announced Caz and Fergus were in the lead after entrée and main, but with everything on the line, both teams produced stand-out desserts. Caz and Fergus’ “very clever” panna cotta impressed while Maddie’s stress levels rose alongside her souffle.
The “perfect” soufflé exemplified the standard of cooking throughout the night as Manu admitted: “I don’t think I could have made a better soufflé myself.”
After dessert, Caz and Fergus were awarded a coveted spot in the Grand Final for their “standout menu, a lesson in flavour.”
Colin said: “You should be so proud of yourselves.” Manu added: “Great food is more than just great technique, it’s a whole experience.”
Elated, Caz declared: “We’re going through to the Grand Final! One more big push.”
Fergus agreed: “That’s all that matters, that one cook.”
Janey and Maddie hung up their aprons, proud of their achievements in the MKR kitchen. Emotional, Janey shared: “It’s a bit painful getting eliminated but nothing else has mattered more than spending the time with Maddie.”
Monday night on MKR: The Italian showdown we’ve all been waiting for. Fussy friends Mike and Pete take on modern Italians Simone and Viviana in a battle for the last spot in the MKR Grand Final.
MKR – Semi-final two 7.30pm Monday
Grand Final 7.30pm Tuesday on Channel 7 and 7plus
Media Release – Seven
TV Central Seven content HERE
Recap | MKR on Channel 7 and 7plus (17 November)
About the Show
MKR on Channel 7 – Real people, real food. Meet the MKR 2023 teams.
Meet Australia’s most passionate home cooks, the MKR 2023 teams, and share their food dreams before an exciting new season of My Kitchen Rules premieres at 7.30pm Monday, 4 September on Channel 7 and 7plus.
In the attached media kit, discover each team’s delicious signature dish, their must-have pantry staples and their top tip for stress-free entertaining. Uncover how each team learned to cook and who they think is their competition in MKR.
MKR co-host and judge, Manu Feildel, talks about the recipe for success on MKR and the biggest mistake a team can make in the kitchen.
Colin Fassnidge, co-host and judge, reveals what makes him feel embarrassed about being a judge on this season. He also divulges one thing he learnt from his home cook hero (and crush) Nigella Lawson.
International superstar Nigella Lawson, joining as a judge in MKR Kitchen HQ, shares the markers of a good home cook and her most recent food discoveries in Australia.
MKR is produced by ITV Studios for the Seven Network.
