Chopped Season 16 Episode 7 Mochi Obliged

In the seventh episode of season 16 of Chopped, titled "Mochi Obliged," four culinary professionals compete in a series of challenges using surprise ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes. The contestants in this episode include a chef specializing in Indian cuisine, a culinary instructor, a food truck owner and a chef who specializes in seafood.

As always, the competitors are given a basket of mystery ingredients at the beginning of each round, and must use all of them to create an appetizer, entree or dessert in the allotted time. The ingredients in this episode include some unusual ones such as octopus jerky, chicken feet, and mochi ice cream. The contestants must get creative with these ingredients and use their culinary skills to impress the judges and avoid being eliminated.

The first round of the competition consists of creating an appetizer in just 20 minutes. The contestants race to create delicious dishes using the mystery ingredients, which also include bacon and dandelion greens. One contestant decides to use the mochi ice cream to create a savory dish, but will it pay off? The elimination at the end of the round sends one contestant home.

In round two, the remaining three contestants must create an entree in just 30 minutes. The surprise ingredients in this round include ostrich eggs, shiitake mushrooms, and quinoa. The contestants must use their skills to find a way to incorporate all these ingredients into a cohesive dish. One chef opts to use the ostrich eggs in a unique way, while another tries to make a sauce using the shiitake mushrooms. The judges weigh the dishes based on flavor, presentation, and originality, and another contestant is eliminated.

The final round, dessert, gives the remaining two chefs a chance to showcase their skills. This round is especially challenging, as the surprise ingredients include broccoli rabe, chili peppers, and goat milk caramels. One contestant decides to create a dessert using the mochi ice cream from the first round, while the other opts to make a more traditional dessert using the goat milk caramels. The judges are impressed by the creativity and skill both contestants demonstrate, but ultimately, only one can be crowned the winner of this episode of Chopped.

Throughout the episode, the contestants are interviewed and share their thought processes as they work to create their dishes. The judges provide insight into their decision-making process and give feedback on the dishes after each round. The tension builds as the competition heats up, and each elimination sends another contestant home until only one is left standing as the champion of Chopped season 16 episode 7, "Mochi Obliged."

Overall, this episode of Chopped showcases the creativity and skill of some of the best culinary talent in the industry. The challenge of using surprise ingredients makes for some unexpected dishes and creative solutions, and the judges provide insightful feedback to help the contestants improve their cooking techniques. "Mochi Obliged" is a must-watch for fans of Chopped and anyone interested in the art of cooking.