Last year I was addicted to Australian MasterChef. I fell in love with the judges and cried for the contestants… and our very own MasterChef SA is no different. Once again I am glued to the TV.

Last week I let out a shriek of delight when judge Benny gave Eat Out a mention before the braai challenge at Roots in the Cradle of Humankind, announcing the restaurant’s previous Top 10 spots in our annual awards.

It’s still early days to have my favourites as we haven't really got to know all the contestants yet, but we have seen a lot of the judges and they are fab. Watching last night I couldn't help but notice how real and honest our guys are, with so much emotion. The kitchen is awe-inspiring and the Woolworths pantry is packed to the brim with glorious produce. It’s any cook’s dream, and, as Guy said, “We don't even have to pay for it”.

Last week when going home on the train I sat next to Candice, one of the girls who left at the onion challenge, and we chatted about her fabulous time on the show. Last night Samantha blew me away with her childhood memory dish, croquettes. Her confidence and innovation to make them in an hour was very inspiring – and then she still made two sauces and some very cheffy-looking fries! A well deserved victory.

Of course, the programme ended and I was left on the edge of the couch, craving croquettes and sticky koeksisters. Café Dutch in Wynberg comes to mind, for a plate of crunchy-outside-and-soft-inside traditional croquettes, or Five Flies, which also dishes up some stupendous ones. And maybe I’ll pop down to the four-way crossing at N1 City to find the man who sells the most glorious packets of koeksisters.

I can't wait to see what's under that mystery box next.

Happy watching!
Abigail

Image by The Hungry Dudes