What is your favorite - cheese and crackers, deviled eggs or pigs in a blanket? Would you prefer them as hors d ’oeuvres, appetizers or starters? Actually is there really a difference? And can their origins be traced? You bet! If that’s enough of a tease then join Jim O’Connor for the main course on The Secret Life of Hors D’Oeuvres.
With four teams left in the competition, judges Andrew Zimmern, Ernest Servantes, Jess Pryles, and Moe Cason are looking for a classic backyard barbecue potluck with a live-fire main course and two sides that don't disappoint. But the catch is that the pitmasters only have three hours to pull it off! The teams are fighting for a spot in the semifinals, and for the first time the Big Burn comes with a $5,000 prize.
Franco Noriega makes a quick and easy weeknight meal full of flavor that's perfect for entertaining. Tomato Bruschetta with fresh gremolata sauce is a great way to start the night, while his Cheater Mushroom "Risotto" transforms a basic stovetop rice into a creamy and rich meal. Then, a Lemon Dijon Chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce is the ultimate impressive main course, and a Pear and Goat Cheese Salad goes a little nuts.
Ree Drummond and her sister-in-law are throwing a big engagement bash for her friend. There are irresistible appetizers: Brie-Stuffed Mushrooms, Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Chili Butter and an amazing main course meal: Prime Rib and Horseradish Sauce with Whisky Glazed Carrots and Roasted Asparagus with Peas on the side. For dessert: Chipotle Salted Chocolate Truffles, a tower of Cupcakes and glasses of fizz to toast the future Mr. and Mrs.
With mint liqueur and canned fish in the appetizer basket, the judges have concerns about how the first course will taste. Then in the Entrée Round, after raiding the pantry for a plethora of ingredients to complement lamb, one chef endeavors to prepare a very complicated sauce. And when the finalists find an unfamiliar grain in the dessert basket, they boldly present it as the main component in their desserts.
Getting piggy with it for Halloween, the chefs have to cook with snouts in the first round. Then with fear in their Halloween-loving hearts, the competitors open up the second basket to find a dangerously hot ingredient and popping candy. The judges are in for a main course that is both frightening and delightfully surprising. The finalists pull out all the stops to make lollipops and cereal bars into devilishly delicious desserts.
Lettuce, tomato and onions are fine and all that, but Chef Aaron May totally ups the ante with his ropa vieja burgers topped with spicy stir-fried bell peppers, Muenster cheese, fried onions and special mayo.