QUEENSLAND bartender Harry Foster has redeemed himself after that kingfish incident with Marco Pierre White on MasterChef.

The Rockhampton-born, Sunshine Coast high school graduate impressed guest judge Nigella Lawson tonight by whipping her up an indulgent midnight snack.

As one of the three top performing cooks from Sunday's invention test, Frost was woken by MasterChef co-host Matt Preston and given just 30 minutes to whip up a late-night treat for Lawson.

His gooey brookies, a cookie and brownie hybrid, hit the spot and earned him the right to cook against professional chef Lachlan Colwill for an immunity pin.

Foster's Christmas pavlova, inspired by his mum, was just a bit too sweet while Colwill's Christmas pudding parfait with almond snow was elegant but lacked a punch of brandy.

Despite losing to the Barossa Valley chef by just one point, tonight's episode marks a turning point for 21-year-old Foster.

The show continues tomorrow night when the contestants must feed thousands of hungry punters at a fete hosted in honour of special guest Nigella.