Garage pie showdown: Sarah Flowers and Joy Nxumalo exit The Taste Master Junior

THE TASTE Master Junior season 2 has been heating up, and the latest elimination challenge had the bottom six contestants on edge. The task? To create the ultimate "garage pie" - a flaky, handheld savoury pie that could rival South Africa's favourite grab-and-go treat.

Guest judge and content creator Nicholas Fraser joined the panel to give the contestants a masterclass in crafting the perfect portable pie. From flaky golden crusts to flavour-packed fillings, every detail mattered as the young chefs battled to secure their spot in the next round.

Sarah Flowers and Joy Nxumalo unfortunately didn't make it to the next round, despite their impressive efforts. Joy's creamy spinach, mushroom, cheese, and lamb pie was undercooked, while Sarah's lasagne-inspired pie needed more sauce and layers to bring the full experience to life.

We caught up with Sarah and Joy after their elimination, and they shared their experiences on the show.

Sarah Flowers: A creative journey

"I think the pie challenge is definitely my most creative dish that I made on The Taste Master Junior," Sarah said. "The pastry challenge is all about precision and patience, and I enjoyed putting all the components together and seeing the final product."

Sarah will miss being part of The Taste Master Junior family, particularly interacting with the other contestants. "The biggest lesson I learned about myself during my time on the show is that I can do way more than I think," she added.

Joy Nxumalo: A family legacy

Joy's love for cooking started with her grandmother and mom, who taught her traditional South African recipes and techniques. "Their influence helped me feel confident in the kitchen on The Taste Master Junior," she said.

Joy is proud of her boerewors dish from Episode 2 and learned valuable skills from the judges, including Fritz Schoon's advice that "cooking isn't just about following a recipe, it's about understanding flavours, textures, and presentation".

The competition is heating up, and the remaining contestants will have to bring their A-game to impress judges Zola Nene and Fritz Schoon.

Catch new episodes of The Taste Master Junior Season 2 every Tuesday at 7:30pm on SABC2, with repeats on Wednesdays at 1pm and Sundays at 4pm.