Chopped Season 12 Episode 8 Unsung Heroes

In season 12 episode 8 of Chopped, titled Unsung Heroes, the show's format remains the same, with four chefs competing against each other for a cash prize of $10,000. However, this particular episode has a theme that showcases what the show calls "unsung heroes" in the culinary industry. These heroes are defined as chefs who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often not receiving recognition for their contributions. They may not be the executive chef or the head of a kitchen, but they play an important role nonetheless.

As usual, the chefs are given a basket of ingredients at the start of each round and must create dishes using all or most of them. However, these ingredients are geared towards the theme of the episode, with staples that may be found in a restaurant kitchen, such as canned beans and boxed stock.

In the first round, the chefs are tasked with creating an appetizer using canned sardines, goat cheese, arugula, and artichokes. One chef struggles to properly fillet the sardines, while another is having difficulty using the artichoke hearts. Despite these setbacks, all four chefs manage to deliver dishes that are judged on creativity, presentation, and taste.

The second round has the chefs create entrees using boxed chicken broth, frozen okra, ahi tuna steaks, and grits. One chef opts to use the broth to make a sauce for the tuna while another makes a stew using the okra. The judges seem to enjoy all of the dishes, but there are some critiques regarding the grits. One chef's grits were deemed too dry, while another's were too salty.

The final round has the remaining two chefs create desserts using canned pineapple, puff pastry, dark chocolate, and heavy cream. It's a tight race, with both chefs making unique and tasty desserts. One chef makes a pineapple tart with a dark chocolate ganache, while the other creates a pineapple and puff pastry napoleon.

Throughout the episode, there are moments where the chefs talk about their own unsung heroes in the culinary industry. One chef worked under a sous chef who taught them invaluable skills, while another chef praises the dishwasher who always made sure their kitchen was spotless.

In the end, only one chef is crowned the winner of the episode and walks away with the $10,000 prize. It's a satisfying conclusion to an episode that pays tribute to those who often go unnoticed in a busy kitchen.