‘MasterChef’ is a series of cooking competitions for amateur chefs based on the British show of the same name. One of the requirements for participation states that applicants must not be professionally trained or earn a living cooking. Despite this fact, we see home cooks preparing perfect-looking dishes every season. Are you wondering what’s the trick behind this? Is it because contestants get recipes? Well, we have the answers right here!
Do MasterChef contestants get recipes?
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MasterChef’ takes its competition very seriously and wants to make sure that high standards are always maintained. For this reason, contestants are encouraged to learn various culinary techniques, but are not allowed to use any recipes during a challenge. In an interview with The A.V. Club, Season 5 contestant Elise Mayfield shared some behind-the-scenes secrets. When asked if they are allowed to use recipes, he said: “No. There are no recipes. It’s scary.”
She added, “There are times when you think, ‘Oh my God, it worked!’ I don’t know any other way to explain it other than that it’s amazing what the human brain can remember when you’re under pressure.” Mayfield further revealed, “I basically underwent a mini culinary training camp where I made flashcards and memorized recipes. I asked myself all the time.” Therefore, contestants have to work hard and prepare for anything and everything they may be asked to cook or bake on the show.
Filming usually takes place throughout the week, and contestants have weekends off. According to sources, the house they live in during filming is well stocked with all sorts of cookbooks and recipes they may refer to. However, if a skill or technique isn’t something a home cook probably knows, experts come together to share their knowledge with contestants over the weekends. But these classes are not mandatory.
During filming, contestants aren’t even allowed to bring their phones to the set, which could be used to search for recipes online. However, the only time they can be given a recipe is during the pressure test if they are required to recreate a classic dish from a well-known chef. In addition, standards and practice officials are present on set to ensure the rules are not broken.
Do contestants get their apron?
Each season, a new group of people audition to get a spot in the competition and win the MasterChef apron with their name. When a person is eliminated, they leave their apron at the workstation. The timing of elimination is difficult, but it is even more painful when they have to leave their aprons behind. Fans often debate whether or not contestants can keep their aprons as a souvenir. After all, it’s an honor to be a part of the series, even if one doesn’t win. Therefore, something to remember one’s time on the program would be greatly appreciated.
However, contestants apparently can’t keep the aprons they wear during filming, simply because they have to keep the fact that they participated in the series confidential until their season hits the screens. But a source has revealed that new aprons are sent to contestants after the edition they were part of on Fox. If that’s really the case, it seems like a fair deal.
Read more: Does MasterChef have a script?
