Image Credit: BBC
South Australia is known for producing its fair share of culinary icons (and more than a few MasterChef favourites) throughout the years, but now there’s another name we can proudly add to the list.
Adelaide-born Kristen Dodd spent her formative years right here in our backyard, developing a love of cooking from a young age. Now, after 20 years living in London, she’s traded her communications career for what she calls an “adult gap year”, determined to discover what else life might have in store for her.
Safe to say it’s paid off. With the MasterChef UK semi-finals airing next week, Kristen has found herself in the top eight, and we couldn’t be prouder!
“The show has given me a wonderful platform to talk about my South Australian heritage, food and culture.
“Certainly, Australian MasterChef was a huge inspiration for me applying for the UK show, and South Australia even more so, with so many MasterChef contestants (and winners) hailing from Adelaide,” Kristen told Glam.
Her love of cooking began like it has for so many Aussie chefs: around a big family table.
“I grew up near Seacliff, went to Adelaide University and my parents still live in the Adelaide Hills.
“I moved to London when I was 21 and have stayed for the last 20 years.”
But beyond those early inspirations, Kristen’s signature cooking style draws heavily from the bold flavours and cuisines of Asia; the kinds of dishes that we, South Australians, can’t get enough of.
Although she’s deep in the cooking show now, it wasn’t a decision she took lightly to join.
“It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to leave my job,” she said.
“Hitting 40 was a turning point; I realised I needed a change. I wanted to spend more time with my kids and explore what truly makes me happy – food.
“The comfort of a corporate role was hard to let go of, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have the support to take that leap.”
“I constantly remind myself that fear is just excitement in disguise.
“My kids have been a fantastic source of encouragement. They have this wonderfully clear perspective that everyone should do something they love and showing them that it is possible – even at 40 – helped to keep the doubts at bay.”
On Instagram, Kristen has been sharing some of the signature recipes that helped carry her through the competition, inspiring the rest of us to tie on an apron, throw star anise and chilli into a hot pan, and make our kitchens smell like a MasterChef set.
Take a look at this Thai-cured sea bream – the bright colours alone feel like a proclamation of the bold flavours to follow.
We don’t know about you, but after watching that, we’re suddenly considering a quick mid-week Woolies run for sea bream fillets and a bag of limes.
But even if cooking up an entire Thai-cured sea bream feels a little ambitious for a Wednesday night, there are still plenty of ways to “Kristen-ify” your home cooking.
Kristin shared that the one dish that transports her back to South Australia is prawns.
“Every time I cook them I am taken back to a 40 degree Christmas Day in Adelaide. It was always my job to peel and devein the prawns and whip up the Thousand Island dressing.”
While Kristen’s focus is firmly on MasterChef as the competition reaches the pointy end of the season, there’s been plenty on up and downs.
“I’ve dealt with lots of high-pressure situations, but I was surprised by my ability to find a higher gear when I’m up against the clock.”
“That, and how sharp mandolins actually are – I sliced my fingers daily.”
Kristin hopes to share her love of cooking and vibrant flavours with a personalised cookbook about “pickling, fermenting and hosting” in the future.
“I truly hope this is the start of something new. “
“I’d love to write a cookbook that encourages people to experiment with food and techniques that sound intimidating, but are actually straight forward – like curing, smoking, fermenting and pickling.”
“No matter what, communications will always underpin what I do next – whether it is writing, broadcasting, or even launching a food business.”
And while this Adelaide local may feel a world away for now, we’re hopeful she might one day return to her old stomping ground. Until then, we’ll be cheering her on from behind the TV and keeping up with her latest culinary creations on Instagram.
Her family and friends back home have been her biggest supporters.
“My mum has probably told the entire city, even tracking down my old teachers to share the news – ‘proud’ is probably an understatement.”
“It has been so wonderful to reconnect with people I haven’t seen in decades, reminiscing about making scones in year 8 Home Economics class and cooking on a trangia in the pouring rain on year 9 camp.”
To watch Kristen compete in real time, South Aussies will have to set their alarms! Episodes are set to air at 4:30am ACST on Thursday 28 May, Friday 29 May and Saturday 30 May, with episodes also available to stream afterwards on BritBox.
We’re sure we can speak for the rest of South Australia when we say: good luck, Kristen! You’ve already made SA proud.
Adelaide Chef Kristen Dodd makes Masterchef UK semi-finals
When: Semi-finals week: 4:30am ACST, on Thursday 28 May, Friday 29 May and Saturday 30 May
For more information, click here.
