Chopped "Firefighter Chefs" Recap (1/12/14)

 

Tonight's episode of "Chopped" features the following talented Chefs:

Chef Richard Fields, Captain with the Los Angeles City Fire Dept.;

Chef Antonia Donnelly, Firefighter with the Philadelphia Local 22;

Chef Robert Corbin, Firefighter & Engineer in Nashville, TN;  and

Chef Sal DePaola, Firefighter with the NYC Staten Island Engine Company 16.

 

Each of these Firefighter Chefs are competing for the title of Chopped Champion and $10,000.

There are 3 Rounds: Appetizer, Entrée and Dessert. In each round, the chefs are allotted 30 minutes to create a dish using the mystery basket ingredients and any additional pantry and fridge items.

 

The Appetizer Round called for the chefs to use Wild Fire Lettuce, Burrata, Roti, and 'Nduja (spicy pork sausage).

 

Sal serves a 'Nduja Burrata Sandwich with Wildfire Lettuce Salad

Robert serves Game Day Apps: 'Nduja Stuffed Mushrooms, Jalapeños, and a Roti Rollup

Antonia serves Deconstructed Stromboli with an Heirloom Tomato Sauce

Richard serves a Roti Taco with Strawberry-Infused Burrata & Salad

 

Chopped: Chef Sal. The judges felt that there was too much grease on his plate.

 

For the Entrée Round, the chefs must prepare a dish using Ghost Peppers, Rack of Wild Boar, Cucuzza Squash, and Saganaki (flaming cheese)

 

Richard prepares Southern Boar Chop with Sautéed Root Vegetables

Antonia prepares Boar Chop with Penne Pasta Al Diavolo & Cucuzza Salad

Robert prepares Fried Boar Chop with Roasted Red Potatoes & Alfredo Sauce

Chopped: Chef Antonia. The judges felt that they could not enjoy her dish because her boar chop was undercooked and her penne was overcooked.

 

The Dessert Round featured the following ingredients: Wafer Sheets, Vanilla Pudding Cups, Lemon Soda, and a Blow Torch (chefs had to use flame in their dessert)

 

Robert makes a Blueberry Pudding with Lemon Soda Meringue

Richard makes a Lemon Soda Ice Cream with Sugar-Crusted Wafers

 

Chopped: Chef Robert. The judges felt that in the Dessert Round the pudding, blueberries, and lemon soda did not come together.

 

Winner & Chopped Champion: Chef Richard

 

All of these firefighters deserve a Thank-You for the work they do everyday to keep us safe.