Almost every night, as part of our post-work, pre-dinner ritual, my husband and I watch “Chopped” on TV. In case you aren’t familiar with it, “Chopped” is a Food Network show in which four accomplished chefs compete for the title of Chopped Champion by outcooking the other three in the categories of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Each dish must be completed within the space of 20 to 30 minutes, after which the dishes are judged by three celebrity chef/restaurant owners on taste, presentation and creativity.
(READ MORE: Proof Bar and Incubator chef wins on ‘Chopped’ with spring rolls, rice pudding)
But there’s a twist. The chef-contestants must create their amazing dishes using four main ingredients chosen by the show creators. The ingredients are presented in a “mystery basket,” which contestants open up the moment the clock starts. They can also select freely from a well-stocked pantry of additional items (various kinds of grains, spices, fresh vegetables, etc.)–but these items must appear in their dishes in a supporting role only.
“If your dish doesn’t cut it,” threatens Ted Allen, the host of the show, “You will be chopped.”
I know what you’re thinking: They’re chefs! How hard could this be?