Ep 8. Pizza Perfect

In season 18 episode 8 of Chopped, titled "Pizza Perfect," four new chefs enter the kitchen with hopes of becoming the champion. The competitors are faced with a unique challenge, as they are tasked with creating dishes using pizza ingredients.

In the first round, the chefs are given classic pizza toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers, but they must incorporate them into entirely new dishes to impress the judges. The chefs use their creativity to transform the ingredients into unique appetizers, but not everyone's dish is successful. One chef's dish is deemed too greasy, while another's is under-seasoned.

In the second round, the chefs must create entrees using surprise pizza ingredients, such as pizza dough and marinara sauce. With only 30 minutes on the clock, the chefs work frantically to create dishes that will stand out. One chef successfully turns pizza dough into a delicious pasta dish, while another struggles to incorporate the pizza ingredients into her dish.

With only two chefs remaining, the tension is high as they enter the final round. For the dessert challenge, the chefs must use ingredients commonly found on dessert pizzas, such as apples and chocolate chips. Both chefs create impressive dishes, but the judges ultimately choose the winner based on the use of pizza ingredients throughout the entire competition.

Overall, season 18 episode 8 of Chopped is a unique take on the classic cooking competition show. The challenge of using pizza ingredients pushes the chefs to think outside the box and creates some exciting and unexpected dishes. As always, the judges provide thoughtful critiques, offering praise for successful dishes while providing constructive feedback for areas of improvement. Fans of Chopped will not want to miss this episode.