Ep 7. Culinary Elves

In Chopped Junior season 1 episode 7, the young chefs face a festive challenge in the kitchen- the Culinary Elves. The episode starts with the four aspiring chefs getting 30 minutes to cook appetizers made with holiday cookies. Each contestant scrambles to incorporate the cookie into their recipes, with creative concoctions that include a cookie dough sukiyaki, a shrimp and cookie soup, and a cookie crumble bruschetta.

Next, the young cooks are given a basket filled with Christmas ingredients such as a holiday ham, a yule log, and eggnog for the entree round. The judges- chef Chris Santos, actress Martha Stewart, and chef Marcus Samuelsson- are impressed with the young cooks' expertise and creativity as they whip up dishes ranging from ham-stuffed chicken to a hearty savory bread pudding.

The dessert round is filled with surprises as the young chefs are tasked with creating a dish using an unconventional ingredient- a candy cane. The chefs are challenged to use the candy in new, inventive ways, leading to a range of dessert masterpieces that include a candy cane parfait and a candy cane mousse.

Throughout the episode, the chefs showcase their culinary talents, applying expert techniques and creative approaches to elevate classic holiday ingredients and create visually stunning, delicious meals. The judges judge each dish based on taste, execution, and presentation, challenging each chef to be at their best. With only one chef making it to the final round and a single winner emerging as the top junior chef, this episode is a thrilling culinary adventure from beginning to end.