Ep 1. Pesto Change-o

Chopped is a cooking competition show that features four talented chefs competing against each other to win a cash prize of $10,000. In each episode, the competitors are presented with a mystery basket of ingredients, from which they must create a delicious three-course meal without knowing what they will be cooking until they open the basket.

Season 22 episode 1 of Chopped is named "Pesto Change-o". The episode begins with the four chefs nervously standing at their stations, their minds racing as they try to think of the best ways to use the ingredients in their baskets. The contestants include a pastry chef, a chef who specializes in farm-to-table cuisine, a caterer, and a chef who loves to experiment with exotic flavors.

Ted Allen, the show's host, introduces the mystery basket ingredients to the chefs. The basket contains a variety of unusual ingredients, including dragonfruit, lamb chops, fingerling potatoes, and pesto. The chefs have just 20 minutes to come up with a plan for their appetizers and start cooking.

As the chefs hurry around the kitchen, trying to make the most of their limited time, tensions are high and mistakes are made. One chef accidentally burns their pesto, while another forgets to season their lamb chops. The judges watch closely, taking note of the chefs' techniques and creativity in incorporating the basket ingredients into their dishes.

After the appetizer round, one chef is eliminated, their dish not quite up to par with the others. The remaining three chefs move on to the entree round, where they are presented with a new mystery basket of ingredients. This round is even more challenging than the last, with ingredients such as poultry sausage, bok choy, and red quinoa.

The chefs get to work on their entrees, trying to impress the judges with their inventive flavor combinations and expert cooking techniques. One chef decides to make a stir-fry with the bok choy and sausage, while another opts for a red quinoa salad with grilled chicken. The judges watch closely, tasting each dish and offering their critiques.

As the entree round comes to a close, another chef is eliminated, leaving just two competitors left to face the ultimate challenge: the dessert round. For this round, the remaining chefs are supplied with a new mystery basket of dessert ingredients, including strawberries, cream cheese, and a surprising twist: rose water.

With only 30 minutes to create a stunning dessert, the chefs rush to complete their dishes. One chef decides to make a strawberry cheesecake with a rose water glaze, while the other opts for a strawberry sorbet with a cream cheese foam. The judges watch as the chefs plate their desserts, admiring their creativity and skill.

In the end, one chef is declared the winner, having impressed the judges with their expert culinary skills and ability to make the most of the mystery basket ingredients. The winner is awarded a cash prize of $10,000, while the other chefs go home empty-handed.

Overall, "Pesto Change-o" is a thrilling and suspenseful episode of Chopped, showcasing the creativity and skill of four talented chefs. Fans of the show will love watching the contestants face off against each other, trying to create the best possible dishes using a surprising array of ingredients.