Chopped "Circus Spectacular" Recap (10/24/13)

 

Thursday's episode of Chopped featured four talented chefs: Chef Steve Yen, Sous Chef at Catch Restaurant in NYC; Chef Jesse Olson, Chef at Vanderbilt Restaurant in NY; Chef Claire Handleman, Culinary Producer; and Chef John Atkinson, Owner & Chef of North End Cafe in CA battling it out for the coveted title of Chopped Champion and a $10,000 prize

The chefs were asked to create three meals, Appetizer, Entree, and Dessert featuring "Circus Themed" mystery basket ingredients.

In the Appetizer Round, the chefs utilized Cotton Candy, Corn Dogs, Peanuts in Shells, and Tokyo Scallions.

Chef Steve prepared a Pad Thai with Crushed Peanuts. Chef John prepared a Pork & Peanut Lettuce Cup with Drizzling Sauce. Chef Claire prepared Cotton Candy Peanuts with Sauteed Hot dogs. Chef Jesse prepared a Coney Island Corn Dog Hot Dog.

Chopped: Chef Steve for his poor use of the basket ingredients.

For the Entrée Round, the chefs were tasked with using Nachos, Chicken Fingers, Baby Corn, and Candy Apples.

Chef John prepared Fried Chicken Ferris Wheels with a Double Corn Gravy & Potato Hash. Chef Claire prepared a a Candy Apple Salad with Spiced Chicken Fingers. Chef Jesse prepared Roasted Apples with Candied Apple Gastrique & Nacho Encrusted Chicken Fingers.

Chopped: Chef John for his poor plating and bad corn gravy sauce.

Dessert Round forced the chefs to use Snow Cones, Funnel Cakes, Popcorn, and Sour Cream.

Chef Jesse prepared Snow Cone & Lemongrass Granita with Smoked Ricotta. Chef Claire prepared Vanilla Orange Cake with Funnel Cake Ice Cream.

After deliberating, the judges Chopped Chef Jesse for failing to get all his food on the plate.


Chef Claire is awarded the title of Chopped Champion.