My new favorite TV show is Chopped on Food Network. From the moment I started watching it, I became a fast fan. This show took a tried and true concept of a cooking competition and threw in a twist. The four competing chefs have to incorporate in their dishes the secret ingredients that are concealed in a basket. Then they are timed to create a dish for the judges. If the food doesn’t hit on all cylinders of the criteria of taste, creativity and presentation, the chef is eliminated, hence the name of the show “chopped”.
I gravitate to shows that the more I watch, the more I became aware of its different aspects. The first layer of this show I was intrigued by with the unusual ingredient combos—who thinks of pairing frozen waffles with fish? I’ve heard of fried chicken and waffles, so maybe…? Then, I am amazed that the chefs change the texture of the waffle by simply grinding it up to crumbs to make a coating for the fish. Honestly, to figure that out would take me all day! By watching this show, I am starting to expand my cooking knowledge—for instance, I’m using salad dressing as a marinade! I know, not a great culinary leap, but these baby steps are a sign of progress!
After viewing more episodes of Chopped, another layer emerged for me. At the start, I was interested in the food. Now I have started rooting for one of the four competing chefs. I have become vested in their back stories—the chef who is a cancer survivor gets my vote rather than the successful, glossy caterer. I watch their reactions to the secret ingredients. If a chef turns their nose up at a mundane ingredient like puffed rice cereal, they don’t get my support. I tend to favor the chefs that are down to earth, friendly, aren’t full of themselves --in short the least like a chef.
Lastly, even though the ingredients and the challengers change, there is a certain consistency on the show that is comforting. I can always be sure that the host Ted Allen will announce in his taciturn manner who will be chopped (which is always after the commercial break) and that one of the competing chefs will argue with a judge that how could it be expected for them to produce under these horrible time constraints (would someone please remind them what the show is all about?)
Looking at the time, I’d better see if there could be a Chopped marathon playing. If not, I can check my kitchen and see what I can throw together for my family. Balsamic vinegar and cherries anyone?
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