Ep 9. Grills On! Game On!

In season 42, episode 9 of Chopped, titled "Grills On! Game On!", four talented chefs are presented with a challenging task of creating a memorable and mouthwatering three-course meal using only the contents of a mystery basket. The catch is that they have to incorporate grilled items in every dish.

The chefs are introduced and given 20 minutes to create their appetizers using the provided ingredients. The mystery basket for this round includes kid goat, baby artichokes, wild mushrooms, and donut peaches, which presents a unique challenge to the contestants. The chefs must use their creativity and skill to showcase the grilled items while ensuring that all the flavors blend well together.

Once the time limit is up, the chefs present their dishes to the judges, who critique their work and decide who moves on to the next round. The round ends with three chefs moving on to the entree course and one chef being chopped.

For the entree course, the remaining contestants are presented with a new mystery basket consisting of boneless lamb ribeye, lobster tails, purple yam, and hen of the woods mushrooms. The contestants must use their grilling skills to cook the lamb and lobster while incorporating the rest of the ingredients in a thoughtful and cohesive way. The task is difficult, but the contestants prove that they are up to the challenge.

The judges taste each dish and provide feedback to the contestants, who eagerly listen to ensure that they can improve their dishes if they make it to the final round. The judges deliberate and decide which two contestants will move on to the dessert round and who gets chopped.

In the final round, the two remaining contestants are presented with a mystery basket that includes watermelon, feta cheese, brioche buns, and smoked almonds. This round presents a unique challenge as the cooks must incorporate the required grilled items while creating a dessert that is both sweet and savory. The finalists must use their skills and creativity to come up with dishes that will satisfy the judges' taste buds.

After tasting each dish and deliberating, the judges come to a final decision and crown the winner of the competition. The winner takes home a cash prize and the satisfaction of knowing that they out-grilled their fellow contestants.

Overall, season 42, episode 9 of Chopped is an exciting and fast-paced episode that showcases the talents of skilled chefs. The contestants are given unique and challenging mystery baskets that require them to utilize their grilling skills while creating memorable and delicious dishes. The judges provide insightful feedback that helps the chefs to improve their dishes and compete at the highest level. In the end, only one chef is crowned the winner, making for a thrilling and satisfying episode that fans of the show are sure to enjoy.