Julie Goodwin - Wife, Mum, Masterchef

It was one of the most watched moments in Australian TV history, when Julie Goodwin became the very first Masterchef, a moment etched into the minds of anyone who saw it as the mum of three from the Central Coast who edged out Poh Ling Yeow for the very first title of ‘Masterchef Australia’.

Watched by 3.75 million people, it’s a spot in the limelight that Julie has at times struggled to deal with, but now, three years later it’s a position that she finds humbling.

Her new book ‘The Heart of the Home’ is the follow up to ‘Our Family Table’ which was one of the best selling books of 2010.

To win a copy of 'Heart of the Home' just visit the CityWest Facebook page, find the competition link and leave a comment. It’s that simple. Entries close January 24th.

Julie told CityWest Editor, Darren Hallesy, that touring is really good fun. "It’s great to meet such beautiful and friendly people. My hand never gets tired, and I haven’t had writers cramp....yet,” she said.

“It still feels strange signing autographs to be honest. I still have that ‘pinch me’ feeling every day, its very humbling for me.”

Her previous book was one of 2010’s best selling books, and Julie felt the need to continue what she started.

“There is a sort of continuation of a theme with ‘Heart of the Home’. I didn’t want to make it different for the sake of it, but I did draw on a different range of resources for these recipes.

“When I cook it comes from my past, it comes from my family and from my current experiences like my friends - their backgrounds, or places I visit. I visited India last year so there is some influence in there.

“I have a friend who cooks Chinese, another who does Greek, so I just wanted to reinforce that theme of people gathering around food, and how food is an expression of love and gratitude.

“In one sense there was a lot less pressure on this book, but in another when you’ve written a book that went gangbusters there was just a tiny bit of pressure. My first book took a lot from my husband’s grandmother, and I’ve put a lot more of my side of the family into this book.”

Most people don’t realise that a recipe has to be rewritten and tested several times so it leaves no room for error, something Julie is very conscious of.

“When I write a recipe I make the dish several times, because you can get different results each time and you have to explore and work out why. You can’t do it once, you need all the information. Even things I’ve made a thousand times I have to recipe test and make sure all the info is there. I might get my boys or husband to make it, and the questions they ask will allow me to fill in the gaps.”

Life has changed a tad since the days when she was working with her husband in IT, and she can still be found on the company website.

“Yes, I’m still on my husbands IT company website. I’m very proud of the company and they are a great team, I’m still involved and turn up to the odd meeting.

“An average day for me three years ago was I’d go to the office and work till school finished then I’d go home. Today if I’m not touring, I get the kids to school and basically just potter around the kitchen. I write recipes or test them. I will often ring my husband and ask him ‘what do you think I’m doing?’.

“I tell him that I’m here in this beautiful kitchen, writing recipes, cooking and I’m loving it. I couldn’t be happier, its such a privilege.

“I’m stoked that I made it onto the show and even more that I won it. As a mum and full time worker I would have watched it and thought there was no way I could be away from my family for so long. I’m glad I was in the first series as I had no idea what I was in for, I didn’t know what was coming, but if I did I’m sure I would never have applied.”

So how do her three boys feel about having a famous mum?

“My sons take it all in their stride, when the other kids at school joke about it they don’t pay much attention. You know what teenage boys are like, they only care about what they are doing on the weekend.”

As a reward for the last couple of years, Julie took the whole family to Italy which was a real eye opener, including some amazing day trips.

“My trip to Italy was great, but I didn’t always find everything perfect. It was in the exploring and taking risks that we found the gems food-wise. There are good and bad everywhere you go, its universal.

“We went to see Pompeii and it was amazing. It was like you could reach out and touch all this incredible history. It was like a reward for everything. We realise that as a family we don’t have much longer with our boys as they are growing so fast, so as a family it was a privilege to do a trip like that.”

The Masterchef experience is summed up easily for Julie, and its all about new experiences, something that all of us can learn from.

“There are so many things I’ve experienced that have opened my eyes. I’d never eaten a truffle or black pudding until I was on the show. I’m learning new things every day, and I think that this culinary cultural revolution that Masterchef has started will continue.

“As I travel the country I’m constantly amazed by the number of children who love to cook and watch the show. I really think that there is a whole generation of culinary aware kids, and I have a great hope for the future. Just look at the dishes these kids cook on the Junior Masterchef show. I’m sure they don’t represent all kids, as not all kids know fine dining food, but as far as having kids that want to help mum or dad in the kitchen and just creating something, its amazing.”

If Julie could go back in time and whisper into her own ear something just before she won the title, what would she say? After a genuine laugh, and a long pause the normal, everyday Aussie mum thrust into stardom has the perfect answer.

“I’d tell myself not to panic, not to worry or take too much on board, but enjoy the ride because it’s going to be a long one!”

“Heart of the Home” is out now through Random House.