Ep 9. Holy Cannoli

In MasterChef season 8 episode 9, titled "Holy Cannoli," the remaining contestants are put to the test as they must tackle the tricky Italian pastry, the cannoli. The challenge begins with a tutorial from the legendary pastry chef and guest judge, Gale Gand. She instructs the home cooks on how to make a classic Italian cannoli shell and a delectable ricotta filling.

Once the contestants have mastered the basics, Chef Ramsay announces that they must create their own unique cannoli creations. The cooks get creative, filling their cannoli with everything from lemon mascarpone to espresso cream. However, some contestants struggle to make their cannoli shells crispy and others have difficulty getting the filling just right.

After the first round of judging, the top three contestants with the best cannoli creations are chosen to move on to the pressure test. They are tasked with creating a dish that incorporates one of Italy's most prized ingredients - a 24-month aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The remaining five contestants must also cook with the cheese, but they are given less time and must work in pairs.

With only a few minutes left in the challenge, tensions rise as some contestants struggle to finish plating their dishes. Chef Ramsay and the judges taste each of the dishes and ultimately, one contestant is sent home while another is named the winner of the challenge.

Overall, "Holy Cannoli" is a challenging but delicious episode of MasterChef, showcasing the skills of the remaining contestants as they navigate the world of Italian pastry and ingredients.