As self-confessed sweet tooth Melissa Leong returns to co-host a second season of Dessert Masters, she proves up for the challenge of a round of The Weekly‘s famous Finish This Sentence! From successful kitchen tips to her private inner world, read on to learn more about the lesser known side of TV’s famous foodie.
If I could have one dessert for the rest of my life it would be…
A generous slice of Basque cheesecake. What it might lack in finessed presentation, it more than makes up for in luscious richness, plush luxury and a most satisfying depth of flavour. Its roughly hewn bronzed exterior provides deeply caramelised shade to the light of its velvety interior. I could never tire of such sophisticated-yet-simple joy.
Life is sweeter when… you share it with people who truly know and love you.
Every good cook needs… to learn how to read recipes and understand them before attempting them. Properly understanding recipes is the sure-fire way to success when it comes to learning a new recipe or technique.
The best thing about eating food for a living is… no food FOMO! Experiencing the world through food, getting to know people; their culture, story and heart, is a true joy and boon of my life in food.
My secret skill is… surprising people. Whether it’s gift giving or expectations, I get a little kick out of knowing that people who think they have a measure of me, are most often wrong.
My motto is… “Don’t die wondering.” I don’t want to leave anything on the table when it comes to exploring all the experiences life has to offer.
I last binge-watched… Rick and Morty. Existential dread in the form of cartoon frivolity will always have my heart.
Melissa in The Weekly’s test kitchen. (Credit: (Image: Corrie Bond))
The last time I cried was… during a session with my therapist. That’s a good place for it, no?! I think emotional development, letting go of what you cannot control and taking up the reins on the things you can, is part of becoming the best version of yourself. That cannot come without a few tears from time to time.
If I was an emoji, I would be … the 100. Always give it everything you have!
My family would say I am… my own person. I’ve worked hard to create a world made of choices that don’t involve compromising the core values that make me who I am. I’m proud of that.
My favourite place is… home. I don’t know if I will ever find the words to express what it means to have created a space that’s just mine. The people closest to me understand best just how much blood, sweat, and tears it took to carve out a sanctuary where I feel safe and can just be.
Dessert Masters returns Monday, 14 October At 7.30pm On 10 And 10 Play.
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