Naomi for MasterChef 2025 / BBC
Age: 30
Occupation: Teacher
From: Falkirk via Inverness
How would you describe your style of cooking?
“My cooking style is all about simple, wholesome dishes that highlight seasonal Scottish and Italian ingredients. As I have navigated through different stages of my life, my style of cooking has remained the same in that I love to use fresh, seasonal Scottish produce to create simple and elegant dishes. I am extremely proud of my Scottish heritage and my dishes demonstrate a passion for Scotland’s beautiful produce. I love making dishes that bring a sense of warmth to the table and make my family and friends smile.
“I also take a lot of influence from food I have eaten on holidays and at the weekend, you will always find me in a café sampling some sort of baked good or dragging my partner out for a meal in the city. I do have a major sweet tooth so you will often find me in the kitchen creating some sort of indulgent dessert or sweet treat to satisfy my own cravings!”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with and why?
“Scottish beef is definitely a favourite. I love it because it can be so rich and full of flavour but also so versatile. Whether I’m using it for a slow-cooked ragu or searing it for a steak date night, it always feels like something special.”
Why did you enter MasterChef this year?
“I have watched MasterChef for so many years and my family would always tell me that I had to go on the show. I would always joke with them and say I would apply to go on the show before I was 30. Well, time has caught up with me so here we are! Cooking is a creative outlet for me, and I am never happier than when I’m in the kitchen so I thought it was time to put my skills to the test. I love to challenge myself and as a teacher, I am always encouraging my pupils to aim high and live their dreams, so I thought I better take my own advice.”
MasterChef continues Wednesday at 8pm on BBC One.
