THE popularity of cooking shows such as MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules has rejuvenated much of the cooking spirit in Australia. 

It seems we can't get enough of shows such as Come Dine With Me, Jamie's 30 Minute Meals, Food Safari, Luke Nguyen's Vietnam, The Cook and the Chef, and of course, anything Nigella does.

"The growth in cooking shows has been the logical extension of the boom in cookbooks and culinary magazines in the early noughties," MasterChef judge Matt Preston said.

"While largely seen overseas on secondary or cable channels, Australia's contribution to the food TV movement has been to make these food shows work in commercial prime time - first at Ten with Jamie Oliver's shows and then with the stripping of MasterChef Australia across the week in 2009.

"The impact of both shows can be seen in looking at who is now cooking in Australia, what they are cooking, and how old they are when they start cooking.

"Of course, one of the questions is at what point does a food show cease to be a food show and cross over into being just an entertainment show.

"Certainly our intention with MasterChef - The Professionals - on air early 2013 - is to ensure that the cooking and the food still remain absolutely at the core of the show.

"And to create a show of intensity that will see it picked up by as many overseas TV channels as the amateur series of MasterChef Australia."