MasterChef finalists boxing clever

Jax Hamilton (L) and Nadia Lim. Photo / David Alexander

The heat was on MasterChef finalists Nadia Lim and Jax Hamilton in a public cook-off yesterday as they head into the finale.

The pair took on two mystery box challenges in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 1500 at a Hornby supermarket in Christchurch.

Hamilton created maple glazed pork loin with parsley and lemon crumb, and wilted greens, while Lim cooked a maple pork chop with crackling straws, croutons, apple and parsley salad.

In the second challenge, they made dishes using salmon lime and chilli.

The audience taste tested the women's dishes - but no winner was declared.