Now, the Top 5 must pull off a patisserie challenge to proceed to the semifinal
In the past week, MasterChef South Africa Season 5’s oldest contestant, Penny Rider (65), provided the least satisfactory dish, meaning she promptly had to leave the MasterChef kitchen.
When the Top 6 were asked to go on an African-inspired spice odyssey inspired by guest judge Chef Vusi Ndlovu, Penny took the safe route. She prepared a hot favourite among her family and friends: Mozambican peri-peri with stir-fried rice.
Unfortunately, a pertinent question from Chef Vusi during the cook-off about her dish choice unnerved Penny. Little did the show’s beloved “granny” know that MasterChef South Africa judge Katlego Mlambo was excited about the prospect of tasting the prawns and that Chef Vusi was way more concerned about the goings-on at the workstation of the show’s youngest contestant, Bridget Mangwandi (20).
With the wisdom that comes with age and some serious self-talk, Penny decided to play to her strengths. So, when she presented her meal to the judges in the @home taste room, she was chuffed about the outcome.
Still, the judges believed Penny’s presentation was not well-rounded enough to take her to the next round. While it was a close shave for contestant Nabila Shamshum, whose amadumbe was undercooked, come-back kid Refe Dimbaza and Bridget were called out as the top two home cooks of the week. Finally, Bridget’s multi-faceted spicy African dish – Goat neck with Jollof risotto, deviled egg, mango salsa and habanero sauce – far exceeded Chef Vusi’s expectations. “You cooked like real West African auntie.” Chef Vusi praised challenge winner Bridget.
This week, MasterChef South Africa, just one week shy of the semi-final, moves from spicy to sweet. Pâtissier and MasterChef South Africa guest Jared Melamed, named the Best Pastry Chef at the 2024 Lux Awards, will task the Top 5 to replicate one of his signature sensations – Tarte aux Choux Noisette. This technical and artistic triumph comprises Choux pastry baked inside a tartelette, filled with vanilla crème
Whose baking skills will take them to the semi-final, and whose dreams will fall flat? The five contestants still in the competition, vying for the R1 million prize money, are Bridget Mangwandi, Chanel Brink, Lona Rode, Nabila Shamshum and Refe Dimbaza.
MasterChef South Africa Season 5, proudly sponsored by Pick n Pay, premieres on S3 (formerly SABC3) on Saturdays at 20:30. The rebroadcasts are on SABC2 on Sundays at 18:30 and S3 on Wednesdays at 18:00.