For over three months, the Top Twenty MasterChef contestants battled to outcook each other under extreme kitchen conditions, often with unfamiliar ingredients, and in record time. In this book, they share recipes they created on the show. Also contains sections on pantry basics, kitchen equipment, knife skills, as well as classic recipes.

More than four million viewers tuned in to watch Julie Goodwin win the title of Australia's first MasterChef. For over three months, the Top Twenty MasterChef contestants had been battling to outcook each other under extreme kitchen conditions, often with unfamiliar ingredients, and in record time. In this book, the Top Twenty contestants share recipes they created on the show. There are mystery box and invention test winners galore - including Chris's controversial roast pig head and his creamy 'beeramisu' - alongside standout audition dishes such as Lucas's Singapore chilli mud crab. You'll also find recipes here for Adriano Zumbo's demonically difficult pressure-test desserts - the croquembouche, the pannacotta, and the now-infamous mousse cake. This cookbook contains sections on pantry basics, kitchen equipment, knife skills, and plating up like a professional, as well as classic recipes every wannabe chef should have in their repertoire. Includes recipes from top Australian and international chefs.

The first series of MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA gave budding chefs a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on a profound culinary journey, mentored by two of Australia's most respected chefs and restaurateurs, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, plus the world's number one food journalist, Matt Preston. The Top Twenty contestants battled it out in the MasterChef kitchen every week for the ultimate prize: an industry training package, $100,000 - and book deal with Random House Australia. Julie Goodwin is currently working on her own book, due out in 2010, but in the meantime, here's MASTERCHEF THE COOKBOOK. Released in time for Christmas 2009, this book includes recipes from everyone in the Top Twenty, along with classic dishes and contributions from top Australian and international chefs.