Three "Chopped" judges seek a sous chef in a five-part event; in the first preliminary battle, four hopeful candidates tackle an appetizer basket that includes some fish-shaped cakes and an intimidating piece of poultry in the entrée round.

Four competitors who love rustic chuck-wagon food are ready to show they have the chops to win; booze and bell peppers in the appetizer basket get things started, and later the judges are on pins and needles waiting to try some prickly pear desserts.

An orange powder provides inspiration in the first round, and a savory cake for the entree round.

When the "Chopped" baskets contain aphrodisiacs, the judges expect the competitors to come through with sexy dishes; in the entree basket, a heart-shaped comfort food and a sweet fruit appear.

Crunchy or soft, minimalist or filled to the max, it's taco time; the chefs find a beverage and a seafood surprise in the first basket, and the competitors must find a place on their plates for a squirmy shocker in the entree round.

Four chefs show off their pickling talent; pickle ice cream and pickled flower blossoms.

Four chefs set out to make perfect pies, and one chef scrambles in the appetizer round when a competitor declines to share a coveted pantry ingredient; an abundance of protein in the entree basket means meat-lovers pies are in order.