MasterChef Australia (Season 1)

MasterChef Australia is a Logie Award-winning Australian competitive cooking game show based on the original British MasterChef. It is produced by Shine Australia and screens on Network Ten. Restaurateur and chef Gary Mehigan, chef George Calombaris and food critic Matt Preston serve as the show's main judges. Journalist Sarah Wilson hosted the first series, however her role was dropped at the end of the series.

Sydney Sizzles (Episode 1)
Air date: 2009-04-27
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The auditions begin!
Audition 2 (Episode 2)
Air date: 2009-04-28
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Brisbane and Perth Deliver.
Audition 3 (Episode 3)
Air date: 2009-04-29
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Melbourne
Top 50 (1) - Taste Test (Episode 4)
Air date: 2009-04-30
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: In the first ever Masterchef Australia elimination challenge, 12 contestants fighting for their place in the competition choose from a large variety of fresh ingredients and have just 45 minutes to be as creative as possible to impress the judges.
Top 50 (2) - Fish Market Frenzy (Episode 5)
Air date: 2009-05-01
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Two seafood dishes in two hours is the elimination challenge
The Top 20 Revealed (Episode 6)
Air date: 2009-05-03
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The mystery box challenge gives the judges all the clues they need. Top 20 Revealed
20 Ways with Chicken (Episode 7)
Air date: 2009-05-04
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The contestants cook up a storm in the new MasterChef kitchen. Top 20 Cooking Challenge
Sam And The Sausage (Episode 8)
Air date: 2009-05-05
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 1 - Manu Feildel
Sushi Stress (Episode 9)
Air date: 2009-05-06
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Sushi Restaurant Team Challenge
The First Cut (Episode 10)
Air date: 2009-05-07
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Team Elimination - Having lost the challenge, the blue team contemplated who to eliminate
Cooking With The Masters (Episode 11)
Air date: 2009-05-08
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass 1 - Cooking with the masters - Lamb Rack with Pomme Puree, Pain Perdu with Chocolate Mousse.
Rabbit Season (Episode 12)
Air date: 2009-05-10
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Invention Test 1 - Italian theme
The Tarte Tatin Test (Episode 13)
Air date: 2009-05-11
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Pressure Test Elimination - Julie, Aaron and Linda landed in the Bottom 3 for their disasters in the invention test.
Brent vs Boetz (Episode 14)
Air date: 2009-05-12
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 2 - Martin Boetz
Banquet Wars (Episode 15)
Air date: 2009-05-13
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The teams each prepare a feast for guest judge, Curtis Stone.
A Blow for Brent (Episode 16)
Air date: 2009-05-14
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Team Elimination - The Blue Team, headed by Brent, faced elimination
Class Is In (Episode 17)
Air date: 2009-05-15
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass 2 - Class is in - Poached Egg Salad with Tomato Tea (consume), Roast Saddle of Rabbit with White Bean Puree.
Julia's Divine Dumplings (Episode 18)
Air date: 2009-05-17
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Invention Test 2 - Chinese theme
Attack of the Killer Squid (Episode 19)
Air date: 2009-05-18
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Pressure Test Elimination - Michelle, Sam and Kate had to cook squid in their challenge.
Julia and the Duck (Episode 20)
Air date: 2009-05-19
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The MasterChef contestant takes on the celebrity chef at his own game.
Aisle Panic (Episode 21)
Air date: 2009-05-20
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: A three course meal for three food critics has the contestants in a tizz.
An Emotional Elimination (Episode 22)
Air date: 2009-05-21
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The blue team’s decision leaves more than one contestant upset.
Soufflés and Stir-fries (Episode 23)
Air date: 2009-05-22
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass 3 - Soufflés and stir-fries - Chilli and Fennel Squid, Chinese Mushroom Stir-fry with Tofu, Chocolate and Jaffa Soufflé
The Steaks are Raised (Episode 24)
Air date: 2009-05-24
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The contestants impress the judges with their challenge efforts.
Sweet Success (Episode 25)
Air date: 2009-05-25
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 4 - Alex Herbert
Chris vs Alex Herbert (Episode 26)
Air date: 2009-05-26
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 4 - Alex Herbert
Feeding Frenzy (Episode 27)
Air date: 2009-05-27
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The teams race to feed the hungry hordes.
Kate's Tough Decision (Episode 28)
Air date: 2009-05-28
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The team captain has the final say as to who should go.
The Perfect Chip (Episode 29)
Air date: 2009-05-29
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass 4 - The perfect chip - Snapper in a Bag and Chunky Chips, Risotto with Pumpkin and Goat’s Cheese, Rib Eye Steak with Red Wine Sauce and Spinach
Best of British (Episode 30)
Air date: 2009-05-31
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: John Torode from the UK MasterChef rates the contestants.
Paella Pain (Episode 31)
Air date: 2009-06-01
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Pressure Test Elimination - Aaron, Sandra and Julie faced elimination and had to make paella.
Justine vs Guy Grossi (Episode 32)
Air date: 2009-06-02
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 5 - Guy Grossi
Fishy Business (Episode 33)
Air date: 2009-06-03
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Fresh Seafood Team Challenge
The Great Bait Debate (Episode 34)
Air date: 2009-06-04
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The blue team decides whether to send their captain home.
Lemon Goodness (Episode 35)
Air date: 2009-06-05
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass 5 - Lemon Goodness - Lobster Bisque, Tuscan Vegetable Soup, Roast Chicken with Buttery Potatoes, Lemon Diva cupcakes.
Double Trouble (Episode 36)
Air date: 2009-06-07
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Invention Test 5
Not So Sweet (Episode 37)
Air date: 2009-06-08
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Pressure Test Elimination - Tom, Poh, Chris and Julie had to make Croquembouche.
Lucas vs Ben O’Donoghue (Episode 38)
Air date: 2009-06-09
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 6 with Ben O'Donoghue
Canape Frenzy (Episode 39)
Air date: 2009-06-10
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Martini Club Team Challenge
And Then There Were Seven (Episode 40)
Air date: 2009-06-11
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The blue team say goodbye to another contestant.
Sweet Treats (Episode 41)
Air date: 2009-06-12
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass 6 - Sweet treats - Fetta Blini with Smoked Beetroot, John Dory on the Bone with Vvegetables, Coffee éclairs with Vanilla Cream Filling
Hits and Misses (Episode 42)
Air date: 2009-06-14
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Invention Test 6 - Two course meal
Terrine Trauma (Episode 43)
Air date: 2009-06-15
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Pressure Test Elimination - Geni, Poh and Andre were in the bottom three and had to make salmon terrine.
Justine vs Matt Moran (Episode 44)
Air date: 2009-06-16
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 7 - Matt Moran
Here Comes the Bride (Episode 45)
Air date: 2009-06-17
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The contestants cater a wedding on water.
Grain Pain (Episode 46)
Air date: 2009-06-18
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Taste Test Elimination - Poh and Sam named ingredients in a pot of minestrone.
Cocktail Hour (Episode 47)
Air date: 2009-06-19
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass 7 - Cocktail hour - Kingfish Skewers with Zucchini Salad, Piña Colada, Prawn Saganaki, Raspberry Tart
Hello Hong Kong! (Episode 48)
Air date: 2009-06-21
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Hong Kong - Arrival/Dim Sum Challenge
Old Faces Return (Episode 49)
Air date: 2009-06-22
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Hong Kong - High Tea/Rainbow Fish Challenge
Truffletastic! (Episode 50)
Air date: 2009-06-23
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 8 - Tam Kin Pak
Battle of the Sexes (Episode 51)
Air date: 2009-06-24
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Hong Kong - Mystery Steamer Challenge and Super Challengee.
Sweet and Sour (Episode 52)
Air date: 2009-06-25
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Pressure Test Elimination - Justine and Julie landed in the bottom 2 and had to make a sweet and sour duck stir fry
Show and Tell (Episode 53)
Air date: 2009-06-26
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass 8 - Fried Rice, Hot Salami Pizza, Seared Scallops with Braised Pork Belly, Lemon and Date Scones
Love is in the Air (Episode 54)
Air date: 2009-06-28
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Invention Test 7 - Three course meal, 'Romance' theme
Vision Quest (Episode 55)
Air date: 2009-06-29
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The contestants cook their dream menu for the judges.
Andre vs Emmanuel Stroobant (Episode 56)
Air date: 2009-06-30
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 9 - Emmanuel Stroobant
All at Sea (Episode 57)
Air date: 2009-07-01
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: HMAS Kanimbla Challenge - Poh, Justine and Tom returned to the competition
Thyme Out (Episode 58)
Air date: 2009-07-02
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Taste Test Elimination - Tom and Sam had to guess ingredients
Shanks and Soufflés (Episode 59)
Air date: 2009-07-03
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass 9 - Crepes Suzette, Twice Baked Cheese Souffle, Braised Lamb Shanks, Open Beef Kofta
Christmas in July (Episode 60)
Air date: 2009-07-05
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: The contestants deliver some festive cheer.
Macaroon Madness (Episode 61)
Air date: 2009-07-06
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Pressure Test Elimination - Sam, Poh, Chris and Andre had to cook a combination of panna cotta, passionfruit emulsion ("passionfruit slick") and filled macaroon biscuits.
Julie vs Adrian Richardson (Episode 62)
Air date: 2009-07-07
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Celebrity Chef Challenge 10 - Adrian Richardson
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? (Episode 63)
Air date: 2009-07-08
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Matt Preston's Formal Dinner Challenge - The contestants had to cook for a dinner party hosted by Matt Preston for four leaders of the Australian food industry, Armando Percuoco, Margaret Fulton, Jacques Reymond and Cheong Liew. The five of them assessed the contestants' dishes, with the two worst performers being nominated for elimination
Taste Test (Episode 64)
Air date: 2009-07-09
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Taste Test Elimination - Andre and Chris, had to guess ingredients in a pot of Sri Lankan curry
Winter Warmers (Episode 65)
Air date: 2009-07-10
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Master Class 10 - Pork and Fennel Sausages with Baked Beans, Roast Salmon and Artichokes with Red Wine Sauce, Chocolate Cigar with Sabayon
Finals Fever (Episode 66)
Air date: 2009-07-12
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Invention Test 9 - In the first challenge of the Finals Week, the contestants were asked to cook a meal under ten dollars using ingredients bought from the pantry that was converted into a supermarket
Pie Wars (Episode 67)
Air date: 2009-07-13
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Elimination Challenge 1 - The contestants had to make two pies - one sweet and one savoury, making their own pastry.
Poh's Advantage (Episode 68)
Air date: 2009-07-14
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Elimination Challenge 2 - As Poh had won the pie challenge she designated Malaysian as the theme and picked coconut cream and ling fish for the core ingredients. The contestants had 90 minutes to make two courses.
No Piece of Cake (Episode 69)
Air date: 2009-07-15
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Elimination Challenge 3 - The third elimination challenge emulated the pressure test challenge where the contestants had to make a several layered 'Chocolate Mousse' cake.
And Then There Were Two (Episode 70)
Air date: 2009-07-16
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Elimination Challenge 4 - The final elimination round before the final saw the contestants cooking the dishes they would include in self-authored recipe books with cookbook writer Donna Hay acting as the guest judge
The Tables Are Turned (Episode 71)
Air date: 2009-07-17
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Masterclass Reunion - The Top 20 contestants were reunited in the final Masterclass and revealed what they have been up to since leaving the show. Poh and Julie also challenged George and Gary to a Mystery Box Challenge.
The Grand Finale (Episode 72)
Air date: 2009-07-19
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Finale Night - Poh and Julie competed against each other in three rounds consisting of a Taste Test, an Invention Test and a Pressure Test. Points would be earned for each test, with the winner decided based on the final tally after the three tests.