Ep 13. Military Salute

In this episode of Chopped, the focus is on the members of the military and the challenges they face both in and out of the kitchen. The contestants are all current or former military personnel who are looking to show off their skills and passion for cooking in the hopes of coming out on top.

As with every episode of Chopped, the contestants are given a basket of mystery ingredients and must use their creativity and skill to turn them into delicious dishes. However, in this episode, there is an added twist as some of the ingredients are ones that members of the military would be familiar with, such as MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) and military rations.

The first round begins with the contestants opening their baskets to find a selection of ingredients that include blue cheese, miso paste, artichokes, and smoked trout. The judges look on as the contestants race against the clock to come up with something that will impress them. One of the contestants struggles with the unfamiliar miso paste while others try to incorporate the smoked trout in unique ways.

In the second round, the remaining contestants are presented with a basket containing their mystery ingredients: lamb chops, kale, peanut butter cups, and juniper berries. The judges are looking for unique flavor combinations and creativity in presentation. One of the contestants goes out on a limb and decides to make a peanut butter and jelly sauce to pair with the lamb chops, while another uses the juniper berries to create a unique twist on a traditional sauce.

Finally, the last two remaining contestants are given a challenging basket in the dessert round that includes green apples, whiskey, black beans, and bacon. The judges are looking for desserts that push the boundaries and take risks. One contestant decides to make a black bean and bacon brownie while the other creates a whiskey caramel apple tart.

Throughout the episode, the judges offer insight into the challenges that members of the military face both in and out of the kitchen. They also explain the unique flavor profiles that come from using ingredients such as MREs and military rations.

In the end, only one contestant can be declared the winner of this Military Salute episode of Chopped. The judges deliberate over the dishes presented to them and come to a final decision. The winner receives bragging rights and a cash prize, while the other contestants leave with a newfound respect for the challenges that members of the military face every day.