Series winner Allen, of New South Wales, and finalist Milbourne, of Devonport, were at Petrarch's Bookshop in Launceston yesterday to sign copies of their new book, The Next Element.

Allen said the cookbook, written by him with some Mexican-themed contributions from Milbourne, was broken into three sections - cooking for the family, cooking for friends and a new direction.

"The whole process took about eight weeks, from writing the recipes to publication - and doing it with Ben just made it so much easier," Allen said.

Milbourne said the book was the first of many collaborations between the two, who became firm friends while filming MasterChef.

"We've got a trip to Mexico booked for next year to look at traditional Mexican food and while we're there we're going to write another book ... we're also talking to a couple of networks about doing a television show," Milbourne said.

"We are really good creative foils for each other - Andy's cooking is very modern, whereas I'm very traditional, so we work well as a team."