Ep 1. Light Makes Right

"Light Makes Right" is the first episode of the 26th season of the popular cooking show Chopped. In this episode, four chefs from around the country compete against one another for the chance to win a $10,000 prize.

The episode opens with the four contestants meeting host Ted Allen and the judges - Chris Santos, Maneet Chauhan, and Marc Murphy - in the Chopped kitchen. The chefs are given 20 minutes to create an appetizer using a set of mystery ingredients, which include baby octopus, yuzu kosho, and sweet potato noodles. With the clock running down, the chefs hustle to create their dishes, using their culinary skills and creativity to make something truly unique.

Once time is up, the judges taste each dish and eliminate one of the chefs. The remaining three chefs move on to the entree round, where they are given 30 minutes to create a meal using mystery ingredients such as hake, celeriac root, and preserved lemons.

Again, the chefs work feverishly to create a standout dish, using their experience and ingenuity to make something that satisfies the judges' palates. As the judges taste each dish, they provide feedback on what works and what doesn't, offering praise for well-executed elements and suggestions for improvement.

Once the entree round is complete, another chef is eliminated, leaving just two contestants to compete in the dessert round. The final challenge is to create a decadent dessert using mystery ingredients such as candy cap mushrooms, rice syrup, and matcha powder.

The chefs pull out all the stops, using their skills and creativity to make something truly unforgettable. As the judges taste each dish, they evaluate the flavors and presentation, determining which chef will be declared the winner and take home the $10,000 prize.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at how the chefs manage the pressure and stress of the competition, showcasing their tenacity and dedication to their craft. With each round, the contestants face new challenges, forcing them to adapt and innovate to stay in the running.

Overall, "Light Makes Right" is a thrilling and exciting episode of Chopped that highlights the skills and creativity of some of the country's most talented chefs. With stunning dishes and intense competition, this episode is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next challenge.