Ep 2. Canned Cheese, Please!

Four chefs are about to face the ultimate Chopped challenge in season 6 episode 2 titled Canned Cheese, Please! They must prepare a three-course meal, utilizing a mystery basket of ingredients, all containing canned cheese products. The first course must feature canned cheese dip, corn tortillas, pickled watermelon, and hot dogs, while the entrée round has the chefs working with canned cheese soup, pork tenderloin, celery, and ginger snaps. Finally, the dessert basket includes canned cheese frosting, canned cherries, puff pastry, and almond butter.

The four contestants, Matt, John, Rachel, and Brooke, are all experienced chefs with different backgrounds. Matt is a classically trained chef who owns his own catering company while John is a former engineer turned personal chef. Rachel is a culinary instructor with an affinity for baking and Brooke is a vegan chef who enjoys the challenge of creating plant-based dishes.

The competitors begin their task with a sense of excitement and trepidation. The clock starts ticking, and they all rush to gather their ingredients and tools while brainstorming on how to make a standout dish that utilizes the canned cheese products. Matt decides to make a taco inspired dish with a twist while John goes for a deconstructed corn dog. Rachel attempts to be innovative with her pickled watermelon and Brooke is tasked with creating a vegan twist on a corn dog.

The judges for the competition are Alex Guarnaschelli, Amanda Freitag, and Chris Santos. They are known for their expertise and tough judgement on the show. The competitors have a lot to prove if they want to secure the $10,000 prize and the title of Chopped champion.

As the contestants work furiously in the first round, the judges observe their techniques and the unusual choices they are making with the canned cheese products. Some dishes are starting to take shape, and others seem to be struggling with the combination of ingredients. The chefs all know that presentation and flavor are key if they want to leave a lasting impression on the judges.

The time is up, and the contestants present their dishes for the judges. John's corn dog deconstruction doesn't quite hit the mark with the judges, while Brooke's vegan corn dog is praised for its creativity. Matt's take on a taco is deemed too busy and disjointed, and Rachel's pickled watermelon dish impresses the judges with its refreshing flavor and use of the canned cheese dip.

The second round begins with the entrée basket, which includes some challenging ingredients. John is hoping to redeem himself with his dish, while Brooke is struggling to come up with a recipe that features some of the key ingredients. Rachel's pork tenderloin is cooked perfectly, and her canned cheese soup sauce is deemed delicious by the judges. Matt impresses with his creative use of the ginger snaps, but the judges are disappointed by the lack of flavor in his dish.

Finally, the dessert round presents the competitors with another challenging combination of ingredients. Brooke struggles with her puff pastry, while Matt is determined to use the canned cherries in a unique way. Rachel's almond butter parfait is a hit, but the judges feel it is a little too sweet for their taste. John decides to go for a classic dessert with a twist on canned cheese frosting, and it pays off. His dish is praised for its texture and the balance of flavors.

The judges deliberate and announce the winner of Chopped season 6 episode 2, Canned Cheese, Please! While all the contestants put up a good fight, John's entrée and dessert secured him the win. He takes home the prize of $10,000 and the title of Chopped champion.