Chopped

- Season 30

(2016)

Fermented milk drink kefir and a basket ingredient with a "secret" history are at the forefront of the appetizer round; a strange blue drink trips up the chefs, when faced with deceptively simple entrée components; and the two finalists decide to go in similar directions, when making desserts with something normally not found in a can.

Fresh sardines make the judges happy, and a little bit nervous that the competitors won't know how to treat the ingredient properly. Then, pricey basket items, including sweetbreads, offer the chance for luxurious entrees. Finally, time is of the essence when both chefs decide to make ice cream for dessert.

The competing chefs get into the Halloween spirit as they take on a wild collection of appetizer ingredients. Then, pork tenderloin entrees are served to the judges. Finally, the competitors scare up a dessert using a spiky fruit and clever cookie crumb creation.

Duck tongues show up in the appetizer baskets; and a seaweed pasta product makes for a weird entrée item. Also: spicy alcohol and a sweet cream are among the components the chefs must use in their desserts.

Online cooking show hosts compete. In the appetizer round, they are given emoji cookies. Later, the judges predict one basket item won't be ready in time. Finally, desserts are made with a familiar boxed ingredient.