Ep 12. Untrained, Undaunted

In this episode of Chopped, titled "Untrained, Undaunted," four contestants with no professional culinary training are put to the test in the Chopped kitchen. They must create a four-course meal using mystery ingredients that are revealed to them at the start of each round.

The first round begins with a basket of ingredients that includes beef tongue, taro root, bok choy and dried figs. The contestants must use their creativity and culinary skills to transform these ingredients into an appetizer that will impress the judges. With only 20 minutes on the clock, the pressure is on as the contestants chop, sauté, and plate their dishes.

Moving on to the entree round, the contestants are given a basket that includes duck breast, fava beans, harissa paste, and rainbow carrots. They have 30 minutes to create a dish that showcases these ingredients in a unique and delicious way. Some contestants struggle with the unfamiliar ingredients, while others are able to use their creativity to create impressive dishes.

In the third round, the remaining contestants must create a dessert using ingredients such as grapefruit, coconut milk, graham crackers, and maraschino cherries. This round is especially challenging, as contestants must balance the sweetness of their dessert with the tartness of the grapefruit.

Finally, in the last round, the two remaining contestants create a dish of their choice using any ingredients they want. With only 30 minutes on the clock, the contestants must showcase their culinary skills and impress the judges one last time.

Throughout the episode, the contestants face numerous challenges, including unfamiliar ingredients and time constraints. However, they are all undaunted by these obstacles, and they approach each round with determination and creativity. The judges are impressed by the contestants' ability to think outside the box and create unique dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing.

In the end, one contestant is crowned the winner of this Untrained, Undaunted episode of Chopped. Their dishes impressed the judges the most, and their culinary skills and creativity shone through in each round. The other contestants may not have won, but they have proven that anyone can be a great cook with the right attitude and a willingness to learn and experiment.