Ep 3. Quail Quest

In the third episode of season two of Chopped Junior, titled "Quail Quest," four young chefs are tasked with cooking dishes featuring the protein of the day - quail. The contestants, ranging in age from 10 to 14, must use their creativity and skills to make a tasty and visually appealing plate for the judges.

As the timer counts down from 30 minutes, the kids rush to gather their ingredients from the well-stocked pantry. Some are confident in their ideas while others are still figuring out their game plan. The pressure is on as they consider the unique challenges presented by such a small bird.

One chef decides to go with a classic preparation, roasting the quail with herbs and root vegetables. Another chooses to make a quail scotch egg, wrapping the delicate meat in sausage and breadcrumbs before frying. A third contestant aims for a more modern dish, presenting the bird in a deconstructed salad with microgreens and a citrus vinaigrette. And the last competitor decides to go sweet, incorporating the quail into a dessert with chocolate and hazelnut.

The judges, including seasoned chefs Marcus Samuelsson, Amanda Freitag, and Chris Santos, are impressed with the level of skill and creativity exhibited by the young chefs. They take into consideration not only taste, but also presentation and technique, as they evaluate each dish.

As the clock winds down, the tension rises in the kitchen. One chef struggles with her plating, rushing to get her ingredients arranged before time is up. Another nearly burns their dish, but manages to salvage it in time to present it to the judges.

In the end, only one chef can be named the winner and move on to the next round. The others must pack their knives and leave the kitchen. Who will impress the judges the most with their quail creation? Tune in to find out.