Ep 2. Chopped All-Stars: Food Network vs. Cooking Channel

Chopped All-Stars: Food Network vs. Cooking Channel is the second episode of the fourteenth season of the popular cooking competition show, Chopped. This episode features four renowned chefs who have either appeared on Food Network or Cooking Channel shows. They are competing for a chance to move on to the finale and win $50,000 for their chosen charity.

The episode kicks off with the first round, where the chefs have 20 minutes to create an appetizer using a mystery basket of ingredients. The basket features a surprise element, which is revealed to be snap pea chips. The other ingredients include rabbit legs, fresh mozzarella, and preserved lemons. The chefs have to think on their feet and come up with a creative dish using all four ingredients.

The judges are impressed by the creativity of the dishes. Chef Elizabeth Falkner makes a snap pea chip crusted rabbit leg with preserved lemon mayo, while Chef Beau MacMillan makes a deconstructed rabbit leg salad with a snap pea chip garnish. Chef Ivy Stark uses the snap pea chips to make a crumbly topping for her mozzarella and rabbit leg crostini, while Chef Art Smith makes a fried rabbit leg with a mozzarella and preserved lemon dip.

At the end of the first round, one chef is eliminated based on the judges' critiques. The remaining three chefs move on to the entrée round, where they have 30 minutes to prepare a main course using a new mystery basket. This basket contains grouper, eggplant, rainbow chard, and a surprise ingredient – juniper berries.

The chefs have some trouble with the juniper berries, but manage to work them into their dishes in interesting ways. Chef Beau MacMillan makes a pan-seared grouper with juniper berry beurre blanc and sautéed rainbow chard, while Chef Ivy Stark creates a spiced grouper with juniper berry eggplant puree and sautéed rainbow chard. Chef Art Smith goes a unique route with a juniper berry and eggplant puree base for his grouper and rainbow chard dish.

The judges deliberate and decide which two chefs will move on to the dessert round. Chef Beau MacMillan and Chef Ivy Stark are selected, and they have 30 minutes to make a sweet treat using a final mystery basket. This basket contains maple syrup, champagne grapes, hazelnuts, and cookie butter.

Both chefs get creative with their dishes, using a variety of techniques to incorporate all of the ingredients. Chef Beau MacMillan makes a hazelnut and cookie butter parfait with champagne grape syrup, while Chef Ivy Stark creates a maple and hazelnut tart with champagne grape compote.

The judges taste both dishes and provide feedback before making their final decision. One chef is crowned the winner and moves on to the finale, while the other is eliminated from the competition.

Chopped All-Stars: Food Network vs. Cooking Channel is a thrilling episode of the show, featuring some of the most talented chefs from both networks. The competition is intense, and the judges have a tough job deciding which dishes are the best. Overall, it's a must-watch episode for fans of cooking competitions and food lovers alike.