Chopped Canada Season 1 Episode 5 Just Desserts
- TVG
- January 30, 2014
- 42 min
Chopped Canada season 1 episode 5 is appropriately named "Just Desserts" as the four chefs face off in a dessert-themed competition. The contestants include a chef from Toronto who specializes in French baking, a pastry chef from Vancouver, a dessert specialist from Montreal and a chef from Ottawa who owns a bakery.
Hosted by Brad Smith, who is joined by judges Massimo Capra, Susur Lee and Lynn Crawford, the episode kicks off with the chefs being presented with a basket of mystery ingredients. They have 20 minutes to create a dessert that incorporates all of the items, which include sour cream, candy corn, sponge cake and smoked paprika.
The judges are impressed with what the chefs come up with, but there are some mixed reviews. Some dishes are deemed too sweet, while others lack the wow-factor that the judges are looking for. Ultimately, one chef is eliminated and the remaining three move on to the next round.
For round two, the chefs are tasked with creating a dessert using an additional basket of mystery ingredients that include dried apricots, black licorice, duck fat and champagne. In this round, the chefs are given 30 minutes to create their dishes.
The chefs get to work and the kitchen is buzzing with activity. The judges observe as they work, asking questions and offering critiques. The chefs all seem to be in their element, as they are used to creating desserts on a daily basis.
When time runs out, the chefs present their dishes to the judges. There are some clear standouts, but the judges must choose one chef to be "chopped" from the competition. The remaining two move on to the final round.
In the final round, the two chefs are given 40 minutes to create a dessert that incorporates a basket of mystery ingredients that include lavender, grapefruit, dragonfruit and goat cheese. The chefs are allowed to use any additional ingredients from the pantry to complete their dish.
The chefs work frantically as time ticks away, competing to create the best dish. The judges sample both dishes and are impressed with what they see. After deliberation, they choose a winner and award them the $10,000 cash prize.
Overall, "Just Desserts" is an exciting episode that showcases the talents of some of Canada's best pastry chefs. The judges provide valuable feedback and the mystery ingredients keep the competition fresh and exciting. Fans of the show or of desserts in general will definitely enjoy this episode.