Ep 7. Pigging Out

Four chefs enter the Chopped kitchen for Season 12, Episode 7, titled "Pigging Out." The theme for the episode is centered around everything pig-related, from pork shoulder to bacon, with each chef having to create a delicious and innovative dish using each cut of pork provided to them.

The first round begins with the chefs having to create an appetizer dish using an unfamiliar and unusual pork product, Chinese-style bacon. With only 20 minutes on the clock, the chefs scramble to incorporate the bacon into their dishes while also creating complementary components. Each chef brings their unique culinary perspective to the dish, with some attempting to go for a more adventurous approach and others sticking to more traditional recipes. Eventually, one chef's dish falls flat, and they are sent home, while the remaining three advance to the next round.

Moving on to the entree round, the chefs are tasked with using a piece of pork shoulder to create a dish that showcases its full flavor and versatility. The chefs have to break down the meat, and their creative skills are put to the test as they attempt to elevate a simple pork shoulder into a culinary masterpiece. One chef decides to go for a familiar comfort food feel with a slow-cooked pork shoulder along with some sides, while the others opt for more complex and intricate dishes. One chef's dish doesn't quite reach the level that the judges are expecting, and they are ultimately chopped from the competition.

Now the final two chefs are left and are given a new challenge, this time using bacon fat in their dessert creations. With such a unique ingredient, the chefs have to creatively craft a dish that not only incorporates the bacon fat, but one which it also takes center stage. Time flies as the two chefs work to create their desserts, and the result is a display of incredible skills and creative thinking as both dishes are beautifully presented.

As the judges take on the difficult task of tasting both dishes, it becomes clear that the chefs have stepped up their game and that this is by far the closest challenge yet in the competition. The final decision is a nail-biter, with the judges taking their time to weigh up the pros and cons of both dishes. Eventually, one chef is declared the winner, while the other is left on the floor as they are "chopped" from the competition.

"Pigging Out" is a fantastic episode of Chopped that showcases the incredible talent and creativity of the chefs who work hard to bring their best culinary skills to the table. The dishes are unique, the ingredients challenging, and the competition intense. Even non-pork lovers will be impressed by the amazing level of skill, as each dish is beautifully crafted and presented to the judges. Ultimately, only one chef will come out on top, but the episode is a celebration of the art of cooking itself, proving that skilled chefs can turn even the most challenging ingredients into something amazing.