Chopped: Haggis, Gouda, Celery & Prunes | Full Episode Recap | S14 E1
In the thrilling Season 14 premiere of Chopped, four culinary competitors faced off in the high-pressure Chopped kitchen, armed with an intriguing set of mystery ingredients: haggis, smoked gouda, celery, and prunes for the appetizer round. With creativity on the line and only 30 minutes to transform these elements into a stunning dish, the chefs pulled out all the stops to impress the panel of discerning judges.
Appetizer Round: A Unique Combination
The episode kicked off with each chef eagerly unveiling their baskets. The challenge of combining haggis—often considered a polarizing ingredient—with the smoky richness of gouda, the crunch of fresh celery, and the sweet, chewy texture of prunes tested their culinary ingenuity.
Ingredients:
- Haggis
- Smoked gouda
- Celery
- Prunes
Key Cooking Techniques:
- Creating textures: Many chefs focused on how to balance the unique texture of haggis with creamy gouda, often using celery as a refreshing crunch.
- Flavor pairing: Utilization of prunes allowed for a sweet counterpoint to the salty, savory haggis.
Creative spins emerged as some chefs opted to make a creamy gouda sauce, while others infused haggis into a savory tart, incorporating the crunch of celery and the sweetness of prunes artfully into the dish.
Entrée Round: The Challenge Intensifies
As the clock continued to tick, the competition escalated. The chefs faced the daunting task of crafting an entrée from fish heads, hon-shimeji mushrooms, crema, and sugar cookie dough.
Ingredients:
- Fish heads
- Hon-shimeji mushrooms
- Crema
- Sugar cookie dough
Key Cooking Techniques:
- Utilizing fish heads: Chefs emphasized making flavorful broth or stocks, while some worked on presenting the head itself in a refined manner.
- Playing with flavors: The hon-shimeji mushrooms and crema brought earthy and creamy elements to the dishes, pushing competitors to think creatively about using the sugar cookie dough.
Dessert Round: The Grand Finale
To wrap up the intense competition, the final challenge required chefs to transform spiral ham, green plantains, water chestnuts, and spiced rum into mouth-watering desserts.
Ingredients:
- Spiral ham
- Green plantains
- Water chestnuts
- Spiced rum
Key Cooking Techniques:
- Innovating sweet and savory: Contestants were challenged to incorporate savory elements into dessert while balancing the sweetness of the plantains and infusion of rum.
- Textural contrasts: Chefs experimented with frying and caramelizing plantains and presented inventive dishes featuring crunchy water chestnuts paired with soft, flavorful elements.
The Final Showdown
As the episode progressed, the tension in the kitchen reached new heights. Chefs faced critical decisions under the relentless ticking of the clock, showcasing their techniques, ingenuity, and flair. Each round eliminated one chef, culminating in an exhilarating reveal of the winner who demonstrated the perfect balance of taste, technique, and creativity.
“Chopped” not only provides viewers with exhilarating entertainment but also inspiration in their own kitchens, encouraging them to push culinary boundaries and embrace new flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, each episode serves up fresh ideas and challenges that inspire us all to get cooking!
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Video “Chopped: Haggis, Gouda, Celery & Prunes | Full Episode Recap | S14 E1 | Food Network” was uploaded on 12/30/2025 to Youtube Channel Food Network