Want a Challenge? Try Making a Masterchef Australia dessert

Or more specifically, a dessert created by Reynold Poernomo. To say that Reynold is a culinary genius is no exaggeration. He has an incredible imagination and how he brings that to life in his food is just magical.

Among his many desserts is one called Down the Rabbit Hole, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The dessert is complex with more than its fair share of elements: a dulce diplomat cream, caramel sauce, dark chocolate log and branches, white chocolate disc, Matcha soil, pistachio sponge, lime yoghurt foam and chocolate spray. And the recipe has 34 steps - yikes! And Reynold's version looks like this:

Obviously when trying to replicate the recipe, we have the luxury of time as opposed to the two hours the contestants usually get.

Also, unless you work in catering or an industrial kitchen, or are prepared to spend a lot of money on gadgets, you don't necessarily have the equipment you need. But, thank goodness for Google and Pinterest as there are often alternative methods out there to help you replicate some of the elements without spending the money - it just might take a little longer.

I took on this challenge. It took me the better part of a full day to do this one. Without a siphon gun I needed alternative methods for the pistachio sponge and lime yoghurt foam, but it really is doable.

The best advice I can give is to read the recipe thoroughly, follow each step to the letter and give yourself plenty of time. While it may not look like Reynold's version (see mine below), it certainly is a beautiful, tasty and fun dessert to make. The kind of challenge I recommend for special occasions or just to impress that uber foodie in your social circle!