Ep 5. Scoop's On!

In season 24 episode 5 of Chopped, titled "Scoop's On!", four chefs are challenged to create unique and delicious dishes using a mystery basket of ingredients. The chefs are given 30 minutes to prepare an appetizer, 30 minutes for an entree, and 30 minutes for a dessert.

The mystery basket ingredients in this episode include smoked sable, preserved plums, a bottle of Sriracha sauce, and a pumpkin roll. The chefs must draw upon their creativity and culinary skills to come up with dishes that incorporate these disparate ingredients into cohesive and delicious plates.

In the appetizer round, the chefs must work quickly to transform the smoked sable and preserved plums into an appetizer that will impress the judges. Some chefs opt for simple preparations, like a smoked sable and plum crostini, while others take a more daring approach, incorporating the Sriracha sauce into their dishes.

In the entree round, the chefs face a new set of challenges as they are given chicken thighs, kale, cherry tomatoes, and smoked tofu. With just 30 minutes on the clock, the chefs race to prepare a main dish that showcases these ingredients in a new way. Some chefs opt for classic preparations, like roasted chicken thighs with a side of wilted kale, while others take a more innovative approach, using the tofu as a protein substitute or incorporating the cherry tomatoes into a sauce.

Finally, in the dessert round, the chefs must make use of the pumpkin roll and a surprise ingredient – avocado. The chefs must balance the sweetness of the pumpkin with the creamy texture of the avocado to create a dessert that will wow the judges. Some chefs opt for traditional pumpkin desserts, like a pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting, while others incorporate the avocado in unique ways, like an avocado-pumpkin mousse.

Throughout the episode, the judges offer their critiques and commentary on the chefs' dishes, evaluating them on taste, presentation, and creativity. At the end of each round, one chef is eliminated, and the remaining chefs move on to the next round.

In the end, only one chef is crowned the winner of "Scoop's On!" and takes home the $10,000 prize. With unexpected ingredients and challenging time constraints, this episode of Chopped is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they watch the chefs compete to create dishes that are as delicious as they are inventive.