Four distinct groups of champs will return to the Chopped Kitchen: professionals, amateurs, heroes and celebrities, all leading up to a grand finale where one chef will seize the biggest prize in Chopped history: $50,000 and a new car! In this initial battle, four stellar professionals fight to see who will represent the pros in the finale. They have to wrangle and cook eels and figure out what to do with a super salty veggie for their appetizers. Then in the entree round, the champs have to work with a bird and a soda. And a special cheese and a creepy chocolate item appear in the dessert basket.
Jaymee Sire is a food blogger and TV host. She is a former sports anchor with ESPN and has appeared as a judge on several Food Network shows, including Beat Bobby Flay and Food Network Star. Additionally, Jaymee served as the floor reporter on the premiere season of Iron Chef Showdown.
The final five competitors hack a classic salad bar, harvesting ingredients to create a dish while telling the entire tale in an Instagram Story. One alumnus is sent home based on the results. Then, for the final challenge, the remaining four competitors battle it out for the coveted spot as the 13th finalist on the new season of Food Network Star by creating their own dinner party and a video invitation to attract potential dinner guests. Co-hosts Valerie Bertinelli and Tyler Florence attend each dinner party and determine the ultimate winner.
To celebrate Award Season, Chef Wolfgang Puck shares the most popular after party dish and Jeff Mauro makes a show-stopping Surf and Turf Rib Eye Crostini with Gorgonzola Mousse. Learn new ways to make your appetizers red carpet-ready and throw a party fit for the stars, plus sweet and savory recipes using popcorn. Food Network Magazine's Maile Carpenter previews the latest issue and Katie Lee makes award-winning Strawberry Chocolate Mini Trifles. Then, Geoffrey Zakarian's wife makes a party-perfect cocktail and winners of this year's Golden Spatula Awards are announced!