Ep 9. Thyme Flies

In this episode of Chopped, titled "Thyme Flies," four chefs from around the country compete to create a three-course meal using a basket of mystery ingredients. Each course must be completed within a certain time frame, and at the end of each round, one chef is chopped and sent home.

The contestants are introduced and given their baskets, which contain a variety of unusual and challenging ingredients. Some of the standout items include octopus, uni, quail eggs, and dried fish. The chefs have just 30 minutes to create an appetizer that incorporates all of these ingredients, and the judges will be looking for creativity, technical skill, and of course, taste.

As the clock ticks down, the chefs scramble to put together their dishes. One chef struggles with the octopus, which turns out to be tough and difficult to cut. Another chef decides to use the dried fish to make a flavorful broth, which impresses the judges with its unexpected depth of flavor.

When time is up, the chefs nervously present their appetizers to the judges. One chef is immediately praised for their use of the quail eggs, while another is criticized for undercooking the octopus. In the end, one chef must be chopped, and the remaining three move on to the entree round.

For the second course, the chefs must create a dish using a whole chicken, as well as a selection of vegetables and other ingredients. As always, time is of the essence, and the chefs must work quickly and efficiently to get their dishes on the plate.

One chef decides to break down the chicken into different cuts and cook each one separately, while another chooses to stuff and roast it whole. The judges are eager to see how the contestants will incorporate the mystery ingredients, which include shishito peppers, eggplant, and red quinoa.

At the end of the round, the judges taste each dish and offer their feedback. One chef is praised for their flavorful sauce, while another is criticized for overcooking the chicken. In the end, one chef must be chopped again, leaving just two to compete in the dessert round.

For the final round, the two remaining chefs must create a dessert using a basket of sweet and savory ingredients. Some of the items in the basket include thyme, bacon, dark chocolate, and maple syrup. The chefs have just 30 minutes to create a dessert that balances these flavors and impresses the judges.

One chef decides to make a chocolate tart with a bacon-infused crust, while the other goes for a maple-thyme panna cotta with a dark chocolate drizzle. The judges are impressed with both dishes, but must ultimately decide which one is the best.

After a tense deliberation, the judges reveal their decision and crown the winner of this episode of Chopped. The winning chef is awarded a cash prize and bragging rights as the champion of "Thyme Flies." As for the remaining chefs, they leave with the knowledge that they gave it their all and impressed the judges with their culinary talent.