My Favourites with Chloe Carroll

University of Canberra alumna Chloe Carroll dishes on some of her favourite things.

Chloe Carroll graduated from the University of Canberra in 2017 with a degree in human nutrition. She moved to Brisbane soon after and was establishing her own nutrition consulting business when she decided to apply for the 10th series of MasterChef Australia. Fast-forward a year and Chloe has just finished competing on the hit reality cooking program, which she described as “an absolutely exhilarating and eye-opening experience into the world of food and hospitality”. Chloe wants to combine her passion for healthy eating and food by opening a cooking school in the near future. She is also developing a range of initiatives such as healthy eating and cooking programs in the hope that they will be implemented in public schools around Australia.

1. PHOTOS OF MY FAMILY

Moving to Melbourne and having minimal contact with my family for a number of months while filming MasterChef Australia was something that
I openly struggled with. What inspired and motivated me, above all else, were pictures of my children and partner. They lived on my bedside table during production. They reminded me of home and I found comfort in knowing they were, metaphorically speaking, by my side every step of the way.

2. INDOOR PLANTS

I love plants. In fact, I’m addicted to them. Not only do they brighten the home and office, indoor plants offer a number of physiological and psychological benefits. Plants are great for physical health because they purify the air. They have also been proven to reduce stress, improve morale and contribute to a happy, healthy working environment. Some of my favourites include the monstera deliciosa (swiss cheese plant), peace lily, devil’s ivy and maidenhair ferns.

3. COOKBOOKS

After receiving the coveted white MasterChef Australia apron from Matt, George and Gary, my recipe book collection grew quite extensively. We had no access to the outside world during the early stages of production, no phone or internet access, which meant that we had to rely solely on cookbooks for recipe ideas, techniques and inspiration. Hence why I collected so many books. Some of my favourites are: Eleven Madison Park, The Tivoli Road Baker, Brae, Noma, Finding Fire, Room for Dessert and Biota.

4. HOME GYM EQUIPMENT

I haven’t had a gym membership nor have I stepped inside a gym since I was studying. Don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than sweating it out, but the cost of a gym membership became too much while I was a student. Instead of giving up the gym completely, I decided to bring it home by investing in free weights and other equipment. My partner and I get creative with workout programs, and the added benefit of our home gym is that it’s outdoors. It’s like our own little boot camp.

5. FRESH PRODUCE

Being a nutritionist, I love healthy food. One of my favourite pastimes is going to the farmers markets and buying a large variety of fresh seasonal produce. My family’s health is my priority and having a well-stocked fridge full of vegetables and fruit means that I can always whip up a healthy meal, snack or school lunch for my children.