Peninsula brothers ‘cooking with fire’ on MKR

The pair love surfing, sports and winning, and while their 18-month age gap has made them the best of mates, they are also each other's greatest competition. Full of banter and effortlessly cool, they've been known to settle arguments with a 100m sprint along the street.

Rob is the elder and doesn’t let Liam forget it. He says being a tradie makes him much tougher than his cocktail-shaking younger brother. Liam is cheeky, funny and promises to keep the chat alive at the table. After nine years working in hospitality in Melbourne, he returned to the Mornington Peninsula a year ago to open his own bar.

Rob and Liam learnt to cook by helping their mother, "an absolute weapon in the kitchen" who they still call for tips. They describe their style as “cooking with fire”, with Rob a master of the grill and Liam passionate about technique and polish.

How would you describe your personality?Rob: I'm easygoing and dedicated, with a strong sense of loyalty to my loved ones.Liam: Outgoing, confident, joker.

How did you learn to cook?Rob: I learnt from family and through experimenting in the kitchen.Liam: I learnt from my mum and taught myself the rest.

First dish you ever prepared?Rob: Spaghetti bolognaise.Liam: Stuffed chicken breast rolled in prosciutto.

How would you describe yourself as a cook?Rob: I'm confident and creative, always striving to improve. Pit master.Liam: Creative, passionate, but can also get stressed.

Top tips for stress-free entertaining?Rob: Prep in advance, keep the menu simple yet delicious, enjoy the company and have lots of music and wine.Liam: Cook outside on the barbecue or near the beach.

What do cooking and food mean to you?Rob: It's a way to connect with loved ones and express creativity.Liam: It’s my biggest hobby. Cooking means spending time with the family and being creative.

How would you describe your team dynamic?Rob: I work well under pressure and value clear communication.Liam: We both know each other’s role and have good communication – when we aren’t fighting.

Favourite go-to entrée?Rob: Grilled prawns with garlic butter.Liam: Beef tataki.

Food vice/guilty pleasure?Rob: Chocolate cake.Liam: Bacon deluxe burger.

Why did you want to compete on MKR?Rob: To challenge myself and share my passion for cooking with a wider audience.Liam: To win and have a good time with my brother.

What would you do with the money if you won?Rob: Invest in my business and take my family on a dream vacation.Liam: Get married and put it toward a deposit on a house

Type of food you are known for?Rob: Fresh seafood dishes and hearty pasta.Liam: Steak.

What is your go-to main dish for guests?Rob: Chargrilled ribeye, charred watermelon and celeriac crisp.Liam: Ribeye steak with roasted beetroot, chimichurri and celeriac crisp.

Chefs Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge have teamed up as co-hosts, judges and good mates for the new season, during which Manu will taste “the best dish I’ve ever had on MKR in 14 years” as one team earns the highest score in MKR history.

“My Kitchen Rules is your personality on a plate, and that’s what food is all about,” Colin said. Manu added: “It's about respecting the ingredients and making delicious food while keeping your cool under pressure.”

MKR screens on Channel 7 and 7plus.