MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong is using her ‘cool superpower’ – spreading love of food through words – to guide children through the culinary universe

Charmaine Mok

“The most valuable lesson I have learned [from children] is that cheese goes with pretty much everything,” seasoned food writer Melissa Leong tells me. She is only half-joking.

“Dairy is never a bad idea. Cheese and pasta – no matter where you come from, it’s pretty special if it’s the right combination of squidgy textures and pungent flavours.”

“Like Kraft instant macaroni and cheese?” I ask.

“Long live the blue boxes,” she replies, with a grin.