Ep 4. Chard & True

In the fourth episode of season 7 of the hit cooking competition series Chopped, titled "Chard & True," four talented chefs are put to the test as they compete for a chance to win $10,000. The contestants are given a mystery basket of ingredients that include rainbow chard, quail breasts, cherry tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. They are given just 30 minutes to whip up a dish that will impress the judges.

The first round is a mad rush as the chefs scramble to come up with a unique dish using the given ingredients. Some contestants opt for classic flavors with a twist while others take a more avant-garde approach. The judges, celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli, culinary expert Amanda Freitag, and restaurateur Marc Murphy, sample each dish and offer their critiques.

At the end of the first round, one contestant is chopped and sent home, and the remaining competitors face a new set of ingredients. The chefs are challenged with incorporating rabbit, multicolored cauliflower, pickled cherries, and Chinese five-spice into their dishes. As the kitchen heats up, tensions run high as the chefs try to wow the judges with their culinary creations.

The judges are impressed with the caliber of dishes presented in the second round, but one chef falls short and is sent home, leaving just two contestants to battle it out in the dessert round. This time, they must utilize a unique ingredient: Japanese shiso leaves. These aromatic leaves, with their minty and slightly spicy flavor, add an exotic twist to the final challenge.

The chefs are given a pantry filled with fresh fruits, nuts, and spices, plus the surprise ingredient of sweet cream. They put their creativity to the test and come up with decadent desserts that make the judges' mouths water. With only seconds left on the clock, they put the finishing touches on their dishes and present them to the panel.

In the end, only one chef will be crowned the winner of the "Chard & True" episode and take home the prize money. The judges will evaluate each dish on flavor, presentation, and creativity, but ultimately, it's up to the contestants to impress them and show that they have what it takes to be a culinary master.

"Chopped" is known for its intense competition, fast-paced action, and dramatic twists and turns. With each episode, viewers are taken on a culinary journey as top chefs battle it out for a chance to win big and showcase their talents. In "Chard & True," four chefs bring their A-game to the kitchen and push themselves to the limits as they attempt to create unforgettable dishes that will leave the judges wanting more.