The home cooks are in for two very different challenges in the upcoming episode of Fox's hit reality show "MasterChef."
In "Getting A-Head in the Competition," TV Guide reveals that the contestants will prepare the first vegetarian dish of the season back-to-back with creating a meat entrée. The winning team safe from the "green" elimination will have to take the pressure test of preparing dishes from various cuts of animal head.
Eight hopefuls still remain in their quest to win the coveted "MasterChef" trophy, $250,000 cash price, and their very own cookbook. Cartermatt has identified the potential favorites of the competition. Fun and witty Stephen is a strong contender for the title, alongside Derrick and Claudia. Helga, however, proved time and again that she should not be dismissed that easily. The vegetarian is expected to be in her element this episode as she gets to cook to her strengths.
Last episode, the mystery challenge given by the judges was to prepare a flambé dish. Within 45 minutes, the home cooks were expected to present their masterpiece, win the challenge, and get a huge advantage going into the dreaded elimination test.
Tommy's bananas Foster, topped with bourbon maple syrup and Katrina's stunning sea bass and mixed seafood stew impressed the judges. But ultimately, it was Stephen's dish, sea bass wrapped in leeks, flambéed with some anise liqueur, and garnished with an array of vegetables like asparagus and Brussel sprouts, that took home the price.
Stephen chose the classic creole gumbo for the pressure test and was also tasked to choose one cook who would only get 30 minutes to prepare the Southern dish. He picked Derrick. However, his strategy to send his biggest competitor failed; when it came to tasting time, the judges declared Derrick's flavorful and smart. Hetal's Indian-spiced chicken and cornmeal waffles also drew raves.
New Orleans native Tommy impressed Gordon and the rest, with his duck fat fried chicken paired with waffles made with quinoa, corn, and pecans. Nick's and Olivia's, however, were mediocre at best, but they were declared safe.
In the end, the bottom two consisted of Claudia and Shelly. The latter's undercooked chicken was deemed unacceptable and she was sent packing.
"MasterChef" season 6 airs Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.
