An odd mix of ingredients in the first basket, including mache and pickled sausage, has the four chefs working hard to complete unique appetizer plates: And one chef is up against a personal challenge, defending his dish while trying to control a life-long speech impediment. Then in the entree round, the chefs must make squid dishes that impress the judges. And will a hard to pronounce ingredient in the final basket be hard to incorporate into desserts?
The third and final seat at the judges' table is up for grabs! Four precocious kids tackle the mystery baskets, with a baking theme in effect. The appetizer basket reveals a South American sausage and a cheesy baked treat. The young cooks are surprised to find their protein in whole-animal form in the entree round, then the finalists must transform a tart berry and colorful cookie dough into delicious desserts. Amanda Freitag, Alex Guarnaschelli and Scott Conant serve as judges.
Small plates, big flavor! The chefs are challenged to take dainty, delicious basket items and churn out petite dishes that don't skimp on taste, presentation or creativity. Tiny sausages and an adorable breakfast item make for a fun and inspiring appetizer basket. There are more miniature surprises in the second basket, but can they add up to mighty main plates? Finally, an unusual berry and a baby vegetable ensure that the small plates in the dessert round will be both daring and darling.