Chopped “Name Your Price: Battle Three!” (Food Network, Tuesday, January 21, 2025)

Chopped

Chopped has wrung every conceivable combination of bizarre basket ingredients out of its pantry. So, what’s a culinary competition show to do when the well of weirdness runs dry? Introduce a live auction, of course. In “Name Your Price: Battle Three!”, the third installment of this season’s tournament, chefs must not only contend with the usual Chopped chaos but also deal with the perils of competitive bidding.

The twist? Each chef begins with a paltry three ingredients. The fourth, potentially game-changing element, must be acquired via a live auction, adding a strategic wrinkle to the already high-stakes cook-off. How much are you willing to pay for that coveted cut of Wagyu when you’ve already got canned sardines and gummy bears staring you down? These are the questions that will separate the contenders from the, well, chopped.

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One chef, apparently a devotee of the “when life gives you lemons” school of cooking, embraces their less-than-desirable auction acquisition with a gusto that borders on reckless abandon. We’re talking unorthodox techniques and flavor pairings so bold they might just work… or send the judges scrambling for the nearest antacid.

The entrée round ups the ante with a particularly unusual protein that sparks a bidding frenzy. Is it something so exotic that it promises culinary brilliance, or just another Chopped curveball designed to induce panic? Your guess is as good as mine, but the tension is palpable as chefs shell out precious dollars for the chance to wrangle this mystery meat.

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Finally, the dessert round throws another wrench in the works when two chefs, clearly feeling the pressure, decide to bake. Baking on Chopped? It’s like playing Russian roulette with a soufflé. The potential reward is great, but the margin for error? Thinner than a phyllo sheet.

This is, after all, a preliminary battle, and the victor earns a spot in the grand finale, one step closer to the coveted “Chopped Grand Champion” title and a hefty cash prize.

Chopped airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Food Network.

Mia Silva is a talented entertainment reporter whose passion for storytelling and diverse background (half Mexican, half English) adds a unique perspective to her coverage. With a keen eye for detail and an accessible, direct and witty style, she brings the latest features, news and previews to our avid readers.