Ep 2. Ladies First!

In season 7 episode 2 of Chopped, titled "Ladies First!", four talented female chefs battle it out in the kitchen for a chance at the $10,000 prize. The contestants must create delectable dishes using mystery ingredients in three rounds: appetizer, entree, and dessert. In each round, one chef will be eliminated until only one remains as the ultimate Chopped champion.

In the first round, the chefs are faced with ingredients such as smoked trout, quince, and sour cherry juice. They have just 20 minutes to create an appetizer that will impress the judges. The chefs must not only use the mystery basket ingredients but also make sure their dishes are well-balanced in flavor and presentation. The judges, including the likes of Geoffrey Zakarian and Amanda Freitag, taste and critique the dishes before choosing who will be chopped and who will move on to the next round.

In the second round, the remaining chefs must create an entree using bone-in pork chops, mustard greens, cherry tomatoes, and pistachios. They have 30 minutes to prepare a dish that showcases their creativity and culinary skills. The chefs are under pressure to impress the judges with their unique take on the mystery ingredients and to create a well-rounded entree that incorporates all the flavors. Once again, the judges taste and critique each dish, ultimately deciding who will advance to the final round.

In the dessert round, the final two chefs must create a sweet treat using ingredients such as mascarpone cheese, dried apricots, and black licorice. The contestants have just 30 minutes to make a dessert that is both visually appealing and delicious. The chefs must use their knowledge of baking and pastry to create dishes that are as beautiful as they are tasty. The judges will taste and critique each dessert before declaring the winner of this episode of Chopped.

Throughout the competition, the chefs face multiple challenges such as limited time and unfamiliar ingredients. They must think quickly and creatively to come up with dishes that will impress the judges. The chefs' determination and resolve will be put to the test as they strive to become the next Chopped champion.

Overall, season 7 episode 2 of Chopped "Ladies First!" is a thrilling competition featuring four talented female chefs who showcase their culinary skills and creativity in the kitchen. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as the contestants battle it out for a chance at the $10,000 prize.