Host Jesse Palmer challenges the seven remaining chefs to find inspiration in an unlikely place -- a gas station snack aisle. The bakers must choose from a carousel of grab-and-go snacks, like cream-filled mini cakes, cheese crackers, honey buns, and peanut butter pretzels, to inspire their next creation. Then, in the master challenge, the chefs take on a classic dessert, like an opera cake or a Sachertorte, and reinterpret it through their own unique lens for judges Duff Goldman and Zac Young.
Ina's in Brooklyn checking out classics with the volume turned up. First, the Mile End Deli where they're shaking things up on classic Chopped Liver and then Ina makes Bratwurst at Prime Meats Restaurant. She takes a trip around the Smorgasburg market where she buys Cheese Cakes and then back home she's making French Flageolet Beans.
This trip, Guy's diggin' into food made the right way. In Narragansett, R.I., the summer shack servin' up clam cakes cooked in beef fat and scratch made strawberry shortcake. In St. Louis, the neighborhood joint putting the smoke on cheese fries and delicious duck. And in East Boston, the family Mexican spot cooking up mom's chilaquiles recipe.
It's Galentine's Day, and Kardea Brown invites her best girlfriends over to enjoy an indulgent chocolate-inspired dinner, starting with Chipotle Cocoa Rubbed Salmon. Then, it's time for Super Decadent Mac and Cheese in a cream garlic sauce with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts on the side, followed by a sinfully sweet Cherry Jam Devil's Food Cake for dessert.
After a morning spent in church, Kardea Brown invites her family over for a scrumptiously Southern Sunday supper. She's serving up a few of her family's favorites for dinner, including Fried Chicken Po' Boys and her own twist on her grandma's Crab Mac and Cheese. For dessert, Kardea bakes her Aunt TC's famous Lemon Lime Soda Cake.
Ina enjoys a girls day off with two of her closest girlfriends. She prepares a pre-shopping snack before heading to Main Street for some serious retail therapy and then rustles up a light lunch for them to enjoy while comparing purchases. Recipes Include: Sour Cream and Coffee Cake, Grilled Peaches, Goat Cheese Salad, Sunrise Smoothie.
This trip, Guy's rolling out for a little bit of everything. In Boulder, Colo., a crepe joint stacking them 21-high in a butter rum caramel cake. In Rego Park, N.Y., a Jewish deli cooking up third-generation recipes for stuffed cabbage and kreplach. And in Spokane, Wash., a pub brewing up a stout-braised lamb cheese steak.
Valerie Bertinelli flips through her mom's old recipe box to find some beloved favorites. Inspired by her personal memories, Valerie makes Cheese and Crab Bites, a Cocoa Ripple Cake that goes perfectly with coffee and a comforting Cheesy Baked Cauliflower. Then, she pairs her Sweet and Smoky Pineapple Chicken Thighs with a vibrant Grapefruit Gin and Tonic.