'MasterChef' season 6 episode 17 spoilers: Cooks battle it out with past champions

Past champions return in the upcoming episode of "MasterChef" season 6. Facebook/Fox

The top five home cooks will face off with the past "MasterChef" winners in the upcoming episode of Fox's hit reality show.

In "Return of the Champions," TV Guide reports that three victors from the past seasons will come back to the "MasterChef" kitchen to challenge the remaining contestants in one of their most important tasks yet. According to Cartermatt, they will be Christine Hà (season 3), the first blind contestant to ever win the title, Luca Mas (season 4), and Courtney Lapresi (season 5).

Based on the show's synopsis, it appears that they will be choosing the dishes that the contestants will prepare and be cooking samples at the same time. It is still not certain, however, whether they will also serve as judges for the elimination task. What is definite is that Claudia Sandoval, Derrick Peltz, Katrina Kozar, Nick Nappi, and Stephen Lee will have to bring their A-game to get that stamp of approval from the judges.

Before that, the top five home cooks will compete in a mystery box challenge. This will involve preparing a dish with limited ingredients, namely pear, tomato, Portobello mushroom, and chocolate. The elements look intriguing together, which makes the challenge all the more exciting for the finalists.

So far, the contestants are on even footing at this stage of the competition. Cartermatt declares it "a pretty balanced field," with everyone deserving to win that coveted "MasterChef" title. Kozar is an obvious front-runner, earning the respect of the judges and fellow cooks with her skills. Lee is a certified showman in the kitchen, and he too is worthy of the title.

Last episode, Hetal Vasavada was sent home after her disastrous attempt to create three past dishes in the elimination challenge. Her manicotti was lacking in all aspects, her farfalle raw, and her ravioli a total disappointment.

"MasterChef" season 6 airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.

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