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.
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.
Noah Cappe travels back in time at the Texas Renaissance Festival, where the medieval-inspired meals range from the Sir Francis Fry Dog to The Crown Jewel. Then it's over to Plant City, Fla., where Noah chows down on some berry delicious carnival treats at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Strawberries even make a surprise appearance in some savory treats like the Sweet Brisket Taco and the Spicy Strawberry Stack.
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.
Kardea Brown celebrates her Gullah culture and heritage with her friend, Gullah folk singer Quiana Parler from the award-winning band Ranky Tanky. They share a meal inspired by the Sea Islands and their Gullah tradition. Kardea makes Gullah Gumbo with Shrimp and Tomatoes, Traditional Crab Rice and Grilled Okra with Bacon. For something sweet, she puts a spin on a Lowcountry classic with her Charleston Chewy Cheesecake.
On her birthday, Kardea Brown wants nothing more than to cook a decadent meal for two of her favorite ladies, Momma Pat and Aunt TC. The celebratory dinner starts with Carolina She-Crab Soup followed by delectable Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Ribs sitting atop Creamy Sweet Potato Polenta. And for a truly Southern birthday, Kardea bakes a traditional Hummingbird Cake and enjoys a spiced banana and pineapple piece of heaven.
This trip Guy's chasing down the holiday meal every which way. In Portland, Maine, a family-run joint where stuffed turkey and stuffed lobster are Thanksgiving traditions. In Cape May, N.J., a Greek restaurant where two brothers are serving up a classic Greek holiday lamb and their own take on roast turkey. And in New Orleans, a butcher shop turned restaurant doing a whole turkey stuffed with Louisiana oyster dressing.
Noah Cappe heads to Vancouver to sample some amazing eats, like the truly Canadian Poutine Stuffed Burger, Shrimp Fried Rice Balls, Jerk Chicken Dumplings, and the Donuccino, a meal and a milkshake all in one. Later, Noah seeks out the main attractions at the Fryeburg Fair in Maine, where he finds heaven with the Pig Pile in Paradise and eats local favorites like a Lobster Roll and Maine Blueberry Crepes.