Last Sunday’s cheesy MasterChef Australia episode saw contestants compete to pull off the gooeyest cheese-pull, and most satisfying slice, but fan favourite Darrsh Clarke’s dishes didn’t make the cut.
For round one, Darrsh’s blue cheese produced a pull that was less than epic. Darrsh used blue cheese in a Dipping Sauce with Buffalo Chicken Tenders. However, even after adding mozzarella and tapioca starch to coax out that signature cheesy pull, it was a flop.
In the elimination round, Darrsh went with a Double-Barrel Choux Pastry for the ‘satisfying slice’ challenge. The choux was stuffed with pistachio praline, then stuffed inside a larger choux bun filled with an orange blossom pastry cream.
“During eliminations, particularly those with two-round ones, you have to rely on your strengths. I’ve made choux so many times before and that’s why I stuck with the concept. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my day,” Darrsh told Chattr.
After adding four eggs, it was clear, even to Darrsh, that something was amiss with his dough. Unfortunately, it was a big swing met with a big miss.
“There was a moment when I was piping my choux, and I knew something was off. I usually go off instinct, but I think in that moment I was stubborn and stuck with my idea. If I had my time again, I would’ve started the choux again.”
What has he learned from a second season on MasterChef?
Back To Win is Darrsh’s second season in a row after being eliminated in the MasterChef Australia 2024 season. Back to back seasons challenged Darrsh creatively.
“The most challenging thing for me this season was finding ways to stay creative. I think coming off last season, it felt like quite a quick turnaround so that aspect of it played on my mind,” he said
But he didn’t let such a demanding schedule and intense season stifle his groove.
“Honestly, I find my attention to detail comes in at the very end of a cook. I’ll let my creativity fly and then find ways to be attentive in plating up or balancing elements.”
Post-MasterChef, Darrsh is teaming up with a familiar face for a delicious dessert endeavour.
“Cookies! David Tan [from Season 16] and I have just launched Crumb Club: chewy, classic and seasonal wildcard cookies with twist. We are hosting our first pop up at CoBake Space in Richmond, Melbourne on Saturday 21 June from 10am until 2pm or until sold out.”
Damn, they look good!
MasterChef Australia season 17 airs in 2025 on 10 and 10Play.
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