Where are they now: ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2016 female favourites bask in sweet taste of success

Elena Duggan may have taken the “MasterChef Australia” 2016 crown, but the other ladies in the cooking competition are also taking the culinary world by a storm in their respective endeavours.

After their stint in “MasterChef Australia,” Season 8 contestants Zoe Konikkos, Nicolette Stathopoulos and Heather Day have used the reality show as a springboard to kick off their food dreams. Zoe, for example, is gearing up to launch her own pop-up called Off The Wagon EST.1983 on Aug. 24 at South Melbourne Markets.

[READ: “Elena cracks under pressure; Zoe’s disastrous syrup sends her home”]

For six weeks, the 31-year-old sales manager will serve their signature chocolate rollers with five standard flavours. Each roller, according to the pop-up’s web site, is composed of “two sable biscuits, which are then packed with marshmallow and jam before being dipped in the highest quality chocolate and topped with an assortment of delectable delights.” Every roller, according to Zoe’s personal Instagram account, is handmade from scratch at her kitchen.

Speaking of pop-ups, Nicolette also kicked off her own dessert degustation on Sunday, also in Melbourne. She first announced the series of events after “MasterChef Australia” aired the episode wherein she was sent home. In her Instragram account, the 20-year-old budding chef wrote, “It’s finally here guys! The launch of my [pop-up] dessert degustation! Get in quick, limited seats available!”

For her four-course sweet degustation at Lona, Nicolette asked for the help of her friend, former “MasterChef Australia” contestant Anastasia Zolotarev. A day before the launch, Nicolette posted a photo of them with the caption, “Just 1 more sleep until my first [pop-up]! Thanks so much @anastasiazolotarev for coming to help me! Sorry for the early wake up.” Prior to her business endeavour, Nicolette worked under the mentorship of punk pastry chef Anna Polyviou.

Also over the weekend, Heather Day officially launched Hey Day Butter, her own handcrafted flavoured butter. In the product’s web site, the 32-year-old sales manager said that she uses grass-fed dairy, as well as cream without any gelatine or preservatives. She came up with the idea after seeing a lot of discounted low quality products at the supermarket dairy section. She asked herself, “It made me wonder why we aren't giving our local Dairy Farmers and suppliers a fair go?”

[READ: “Chloe and Matt miss the brief, but it’s Heather who says goodbye to yellow brick road”]

After launching Hey Day Butter at Adelaide Central Markets, Heather will also make her product available at The Market Shed starting on Aug. 21 and at Plant 4 Bowden Markets in Sept.

“MasterChef Australia” Season 8 wrapped up in July, and is now looking for a new set of budding chefs for next year’s competition. According to the reality show’s Facebook account, applications have been extended until Friday, Aug.12, due to popular demand.