Joe Ahern

A group of home cooks prepare their signature dishes in the first of two audition shows, hoping to get a place in the main competition.

The cooks face a mystery box challenge, choosing from ingredients including lemons, tarragon, calamari, spatchcock and mangoes.

Its the end of the first week in the MasterChef kitchen and the winners from yesterday's challenge will cook for an immunity pin. But it won't be easy, they'll be cooking against chef Curtis Stone.

The contestants are tasked with cooking a dish they would eat for the rest of their lives if they found themselves on a deserted island; they have an open pantry and 75 minutes to create something delicious.

Amateur cooks from around Australia compete in a series of unique challenges judged by culinary experts and world famous chefs.

Those that failed to impress yesterday are facing the dreaded pressure test; the cooks are charged with recreating a Darren Purchese dessert and whoever doesn't wow the judges will be going home.