Ep 3. Chocoholics

Chopped Junior season 5 episode 3, titled "Chocoholics," is an exciting and delicious episode that showcases the young contestants' creativity and pastry skills. The episode features four talented young chefs, aged between 9 and 13, who are passionate about chocolate and eager to showcase their skills in the Chopped Junior kitchen.

The episode starts with the young chefs having to work with unconventional and challenging ingredients in the Mystery Box round. The chefs are tasked with creating the best dish they can using only the ingredients in the box. The Mystery Box in this episode includes ingredients like marshmallow bunnies, salsa verde, and canned tuna. Each chef brings their unique flair and culinary innovation to their dish, hoping to impress the judges and secure their spot in the next round.

In the Appetizer round, the chefs are given a basket of ingredients that all have chocolate in some form. The contestants must showcase their creativity and skills as they work to prepare a perfect appetizer in only 20 minutes. Some of the ingredients the contestants have to work with include cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a chocolate fountain. The young chefs work furiously throughout the round to present their dishes on time and impress the judges with their creativity and technical skill.

In the Entrée round, the young chefs are presented with yet another set of challenging ingredients, including chicken thighs, chanterelles, and pistachio butter. The contestants have to demonstrate their ability to balance all these flavors while still incorporating chocolate in their dishes. With only 30 minutes to prepare a satisfying entrée, the young chefs pull out all the stops to create dishes that leave the judges in disbelief.

The final round is the Dessert round, and the young chefs arguably have the most fun with this round. With the theme of the show being "Chocoholics," the competitors are required to use a range of chocolate ingredients to create delicious and visually appealing desserts. The ingredients include chocolate cake mix, chocolate liqueur, and hazelnut butter, among others. The young chefs put their pastry skills to the test as they create magical and delectable desserts that will have the judges swooning.

Throughout the episode, the competitors showcase their passion for cooking and their love of chocolate. They take on the challenges presented by the judges with a positive attitude, demonstrating their ability to work under pressure and produce high-quality dishes. The judges offer their expertise and advice, sharing their knowledge of cooking techniques and ingredients when appropriate.

In the end, only one young chef will be named the winner, and they will take home the prize of $10,000. With the competition so close, the judges will have a difficult decision to make, as each contestant has presented an incredible array of dishes. The young chefs have demonstrated their passion for cooking and their dedication to honing their skills, making the episode a truly enjoyable and inspiring watch for viewers of all ages.