Ep 4. Nest Test

In Chopped Junior season 3 episode 4, titled Nest Test, the competition heats up as four young chefs between the ages of 9 and 14 face off in the Chopped kitchen. Hosted by Ted Allen and judged by Alex Guarnaschelli, Marcus Samuelsson, and Chris Santos, these young chefs must put their skills and creativity to the test as they prepare a three-course meal using mystery ingredients.

As the episode begins, the young chefs are introduced and given a basket of mystery ingredients to work with for their appetizer round. They have just 30 minutes to create a dish that impresses the judges and shows off their culinary skills. Some of the ingredients in the basket include rabbit, quail eggs, and canned pasta, challenging the young chefs to think outside the box and come up with unique and delicious dishes.

After the judges taste each dish, one young chef is eliminated and the remaining three move on to the entree round. This time, the mystery basket includes a whole quail, brown rice, and rainbow chard, among other ingredients. The young chefs must once again work against the clock and impress the judges with their dishes, which range from quail meatloaf to seared quail breast with a brown rice and chard pilaf.

Finally, the young chefs who make it to the dessert round are tasked with using a basket of mystery ingredients that include strawberries, cornmeal, and pickled carrots. With only 30 minutes to create a dessert that wows the judges, the young chefs work quickly and creatively to come up with everything from strawberry shortcake to cornmeal crepes with a pickled carrot glaze.

Throughout the episode, the judges provide feedback and guidance for the young chefs, giving them tips on everything from seasoning to presentation. The young chefs are also encouraged to share their stories and culinary inspirations with the judges, giving viewers a glimpse into their personalities and passions.

In the end, only one young chef will be crowned the winner of Chopped Junior and receive a $10,000 prize. With each round presenting new challenges and surprises, the Nest Test episode of Chopped Junior is full of excitement, creativity, and delicious food.