Ep 1. Octopus Dip

Make It is a culinary competition television show where eight amateur cooks compete in challenges to become the ultimate home cook. In season 1 episode 1, titled Octopus Dip, the contestants meet for the first time and are introduced to the judges: culinary expert and cookbook author Dan Pashman, and baker and cookbook author Joy Howard.

For their first challenge, the cooks are tasked with creating a unique and delicious dip using octopus as the main ingredient. Each contestant gets a chance to select their own octopus from a fish market and then has 45 minutes to create their dip. The contestants rush to get their ingredients and start cooking, hoping that their recipe will impress the judges.

As the cooks work, viewers get to see their different cooking styles and culinary backgrounds. Some contestants, like Joey and Julian, are confident and experienced in the kitchen, while others, like Amy and Niyah, are more nervous and unsure of themselves. The contestants all have different approaches to the challenge: some create traditional dips with Mediterranean flavors, while others experiment with Asian-inspired flavors and spices.

The judges taste each of the octopus dips and provide honest feedback, praising the contestants' creativity while also highlighting areas for improvement. After much deliberation, the judges declare a winner of the first challenge: Joey, whose dip features a refreshing and tangy flavor with hints of garlic and lemon.

In the second challenge of the episode, the contestants must work together in teams to create a three-course meal for a group of food critics. The teams are divided into two groups, with Julian and Amy leading each group as team captains. The cooks brainstorm menu ideas and divide up the tasks, with each person responsible for creating a specific dish.

The pressure is heightened as the cooks struggle to work together, with tensions rising between some of the team members. The judges observe the cooks as they prepare their dishes, offering advice and constructive criticism. Finally, the teams present their dishes to the critics, who provide their opinions and feedback.

At the end of the second challenge, the judges deliberate and announce the winner of the challenge and which contestant will be eliminated from the competition. One contestant says their goodbyes and packs their bags, while the remaining contestants celebrate their success and prepare for the next challenge.

Overall, Make It season 1 episode 1 sets the stage for an engaging and exciting culinary competition, featuring a diverse group of contestants and judge feedback that inspires and challenges the contestants to push their culinary limits. The octopus dip challenge showcases the contestants' creativity and skill, while the team challenge tests their ability to work together under pressure. Viewers will be hooked on the dynamic group of amateur cooks and eager to see who comes out on top in each challenge.