Tasting the love in every bite is a given when four chefs battle to cook the best soul food meal in the Chopped kitchen! In the appetizer round, a classic mismatched pair is a nice -- already cooked! -- surprise in the basket. Something crunchy and something cheesy are two of the mandatory entrée basket ingredients, and the judges are suitably eager to savor soul food desserts made with fruit and cornbread.
In an exuberant Pride-filled competition, extra-large personalities and seriously good food are sure to make it a meal to remember. In the first round, the energetic chefs turn PB&J pancakes into fantastic appetizers. Then, a rainbow-themed ingredient in the entrée basket is not a sunny surprise, and ice cream machine drama in the dessert round has the judges on the edge of their seats.
The chefs must cook a glorious meal for the judges using only fired-up grill pans. The first basket contains a shocker of a meat and a sweet surprise that the competitors wish they could ignore. A freshwater fish and a fermented product challenge the chefs in Round Two. And in the dessert round, some strange s'mores and weirder burger buns keep things interesting for the last remaining contenders.
Bobby Flay goes Mediterranean as he barbecues an amazing Italian menu that will have you shouting "Mangia!" Delicious Rosemary Smoked Chicken starts off this meal, followed by Wood Grilled Oysters with Crispy Pancetta-Tomato-Basil Mignonette, and Grilled Roasted Pork Loin with "Sweet and Sour" Agro Dolce Grilled Peaches. Yum. And of course it wouldn't be an Italian barbecue without Bobby's personal twist on a Roman favorite - Grilled Pizza Bianca.
Gesine Prado is making a big home-cooked meal for football players from her husband Ray's alma mater, Dartmouth College. While Ray shows the offensive line a few veteran moves in the backyard, Gesine bakes a Hearty Pork Pie with a Big Green Salad. She makes The Big Winooski Fudge Cookies and a decadent Surprise-Interior Cake with Dartmouth "D" and tops it all off with a rich, chocolatey Hot Cocoa.
Claire whips up an incredible make-ahead feast served easily straight from the fridge. Her aromatic Pale Broccoli Soup begins the meal, and her scrumptious Ginger Poached Salmon with Lime Basil Cream pairs beautifully with flavor-packed Chilled Peanut Soba Noodles. For a great light dessert, Claire creates Frozen Lemon Whip with Blueberry Sauce.The recipe for Claire's broccoli soup is not yet available.
Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't create a fantastic winter meal good enough for company. Ina is creating a menu for a student-entertaining blog site featuring Chicken With Goat Cheese and Sun Dried Tomato, Tagliatelle With Truffle Butter, Roasted Parsnips and Carrots, Red Berry Trifle, Plain Pound Cake and Cognac Cream. This is back to basics on dazzling entertaining on a shoe string.
Kardea Brown invites a group of childhood friends over for updated and kicked-up homemade versions of favorite foods they had growing up. First, she tackles a staple of her mom's freezer, Mini Golden Beef Pockets filled with spiced ground beef. She makes her favorite after-school meal, Lowcountry Ramen Noodles with Charleston shrimp and collard greens, and for something sweet, there are homemade Delicious Dunkers and Double Berry Snack Bars.
The Neelys are casting a "Food Spell" on America's stomach. First, they're cooking up a creamy Crab Cake BLT topped with a divine Dill Tartar Sauce. Then, it's onto lime flavored fries inspired by the Mojito, Mojo Fries! Finally, they're making a tangy Buttermilk Slaw that will complement the whole meal! The Neelys will have you under a mighty "Food Spell" in no time with this delicious menu!
Pat and Gina are getting into a slimmer supper with their good friend Belinda Anderson. They keep it light and delicious with Grilled Salmon topped with a Citrus Butter and they're remixing mashed potatoes with their Crispy Mustard Potato Cakes. Then it's off to the perfect complement for any meal, a Crunchy Chopped Green Bean Salad. And to wash it all down, a refreshing Raspberry Basil Iced Tea.