Sweet Genius Episodes
Disco Genius
Relax! A very Zen object of inspiration takes the spotlight in the first test. But can it calm the nerves of the four aspiring geniuses, who must make fabulous frozen desserts using jelly beans and hot sauce? Then when the second test gets underway, the competition gets stinky. The chefs try not to let a foul-smelling fruit distract them from their singular goal of creating desserts inspired by a fabled one-horned creature. Then for the final test, '70s fever takes over! With a disco ball as inspiration and carbonated candies as a mandatory ingredient, the final two chefs must rock out delicious desserts if they want to secure the Sweet Genius title and the $10,000 prize.
Global Genius
Life's a beach! But pastry is no walk by the shore! Four chefs are presented with a conch shell as inspiration for the first test of genius, and, apropos, seaweed as a mandatory ingredient. But when the tide rises, which three chefs will be left standing? Then when the chefs are encouraged to think globally in the second test, are they in for a world of trouble? Things take a bitter turn with a rare Asian fruit as a mandatory ingredient. And when a colorful inspiration meets a dark beverage in the final test, the remaining chefs try fiercely to outwit each other, and someone's ego is wounded.
Candied Genius
The chefs are aflutter with excitement when the fluttering inspiration for the first test is revealed: butterflies! On a wing and a prayer, the chefs try to create amazing frozen desserts with candied ginger and squid ink as mandatory ingredients. Then the remaining chefs' Desserts I.Q.'s are tested with a baked desserts competition, featuring a luminescent inspiration and a gelatinous ingredient. And during the final face-off, the two chefs left must create chocolate desserts inspired by a favorite childhood amusement and including a fowl ingredient. When they present their last desserts, will they feel like sitting ducks before Chef Ron Ben-Israel?
Hard-Boiled Genius
Don't crack under pressure! In the first test of genius, the chefs must cook frozen desserts that include hard-boiled eggs. But they discover that success will be hard-fought when they set eyes on the challenging object of inspiration: a splendid treasure from the sea. None of the mandatory ingredients in the second test are usually used in desserts. But as they struggle to make it work, the chefs' imaginations are sparked. And when the final two chefs are given gummy candies for the last test, can they make purr-fectly yummy desserts inspired by a cat?
Glistening Genius
Inspired by a jellyfish in a tank, the chefs dive into the first test. But can they make sweet and sour mandatory ingredients work swimmingly in their frozen desserts? Then in the second test, are diamonds a chef's best friend? The competitors are given that glistening inspiration as well as mandatory ingredients, duck fat and fusilli, as they attempt to make delicious baked desserts. And in a nail-biting final test, the chefs' fate is, literally, up in the air.
Hidden Genius
High hopes! Walking tall into the first test, the chefs are given heels as inspiration for their frozen desserts. But does the shoe fit with salt and vinegar potato chips? And Chef Ron watches to see whether experience will help or hinder the chefs' creativity. A reptilian inspiration and a childhood treat make for a terrifically challenging second test! Then Chef Ron Ben-Israel will decide once and for all who has hidden genius within, through a final test, featuring masquerade masks and candy apples. And things get very interesting when one chef appears to have forgotten something important in the oven!
Dark Genius
The heat is on when the lights go off! Darkness is the inspiration for the first test. And the chefs are challenged to use a spicy hot candy and a rare fruit in their frozen desserts. In the second test, a bejeweled egg and a bottle of bubbly set the stage for some sophisticated baked desserts. And when the final test of genius involves a bone-chilling ingredient and a gritty inspiration, it is a fight to the finish to see which of the remaining two chefs will take home the $10,000.
Fiery Genius
Fire! The chefs are burning to jump to it when they see the inspiration for the first test. And a Sweet Genius should know just how to make cheese puffs work perfectly in a frozen dessert. Then in the second test, multi-colored treats are a mandatory ingredient and multiple techniques are utilized by a creative crew of chefs. And in an intense final test, the chefs are inspired by a Chinese Dragonhead and required to use an unusual Mexican delicacy.
