Ep 1. Truck Stop Stars

In season 29, episode 1 of Chopped titled "Truck Stop Stars," viewers are taken on a culinary adventure as four chefs, who are all truck stop chefs, compete for a chance to win $10,000. The chefs are given a basket of mystery ingredients in each round and must create a dish that impresses the judges in just 30 minutes.

In the first round, the chefs are presented with a basket containing spam, cherry cola, sweet potato tots, and collard greens. The chefs must use these ingredients as the base for their appetizers. The chefs waste no time in getting to work, quickly putting their skills to the test. One chef decides to make a fritter with the spam and the sweet potato tots, while another chef decides to make a salad with the collard greens, providing a unique twist to the classic dish. Ultimately, one chef will be eliminated in this round based on their dish's taste, presentation, and creativity.

Next up is the entree round, where the remaining chefs are given a basket of ingredients that include Irish lamb stew, corn dogs, pickled eggs, and jalapeno poppers. The chefs must use at least one item from the basket in their main dish. The chefs get creative with their dishes, showcasing their culinary skills. One contestant decides to make a shepherd's pie with the lamb stew, while another chef decides to make a mini burger with the corn dog as the bun. The judges deliberate and eliminate yet another contestant based on their dish's overall quality.

In the final round, the remaining two chefs must create a dessert using a basket of ingredients that includes cinnamon rolls, cashews, cherry pie filling, and kettle corn. The chefs, who are now feeling the pressure as they are so close to winning the grand prize, get to work quickly. One chef decides to make a cake using the cinnamon rolls, cashews, and pie filling while the other chef chooses to make a popcorn parfait. The judges are blown away by the creativity and quality of both dishes, making the final decision difficult.

In the end, only one chef will be crowned the winner of the competition and will leave with the grand prize of $10,000. Join the judges as they determine who has what it takes to become the Chopped champion in the exciting season 29, episode 1 of Chopped, "Truck Stop Stars."