If You Can’t Stand The Heat: Lessons Learned as a MasterChef Contestant

I’ve explored my passion for cooking for some years now; I’m competent at following recipes as well as adventurous with new and familiar favours.

 

In October 2016 my wife persuaded me to apply to be a contestant on MasterChef - the progression of previous participants in a short amount of time is totally inspirational to watch. After three long months of interviews and cooking tests, incredibly I, along with 63 others, was hand-picked out of 25,000 entrants to take part in the most recent series, which eventually aired on UK television in March 2017.

 

Being a contestant supercharged the cooking bug in me. The filming process is nothing short of amazing yet absolutely exhausting; the pressure really is on as soon as you step into the MasterChef kitchen.

I had a good first two rounds, but tripped on the quarter-finals (I seriously had no idea I’d get so far) when my honey dessert lacked the honey I had promised. Thankfully guest judge Jay Rayner, one of my culinary heroes, let me down with some decorum, at least telling me he loved my tattoos!

 

As a result of taking part in the show, my cooking ability has markedly improved, as has my experimental culinary style. I’ve chosen to draw on my amazing and enlightening experience, and feed it into the creative approach towards solving problems with technology solutions in my day job.

 

I made lifelong friends on the show who I’m hatching plans with for future collaborations — no spoilers yet but keep an eye on my Instagram feed @jim_h_banks for updates and regular creations from my kitchen.