THEY say you don't cry over spilt milk, but for The Daily Examiner sub-editor Carlie Slattery, watching MasterChef contestant Matt Sinclair's split egg gave her mixed emotions as she watched him battle her cousin, and eventual MasterChef Australia winner Elena Duggan.

Photos

View Gallery

"It was emotional, but it was awesome at the same time," she said.

"At that point where his egg breaks I was just like 'Oh my God, I feel so bad for him as he seemed like such a nice guy', but at the same time it was great because we knew it would help her win."

Carlie's family got dressed up for the occasion with shirts her mother-in-law had made and said the family had planned a mini celebration at their Grafton home, which became somewhat tainted by last-minute sickness.

To make matters worse, none of the family, not even Elena, knew the outcome of the final cook-off until it screened on Tuesday night, with the winner watching it with her sister in Melbourne.

"I got a quick text from her last night," Carlie said.

"And with all the media I doubt I'll get to talk to her for a while.

"We had a chat a few months ago just as the program was starting to air and they were on a production break, but she wasn't able to say much about the actual program."

As for tasting Elena's now legendary food, Carlie said she hadn't had any of her cooking for a while.

"Not since she became this good," she laughed.

"Usually whenever we catch up we go out to eat."

Carlie said that Elena's artistic side and drive were the keys to her winning the competition, and had a drive to always better herself.

"She's always been creative, she's an artist and a photographer - she actually photographed our wedding and is also a teacher," she said.

"And knowing her, when she loves something, she gives it her everything.

"She tried out last year and made it to the top 50, she said to us that she was going to have another go to get further.

"We thought she'd do well, but still, what are the odds of actually winning?

"It's very inspiring."