‘Chopped Champions’ recap of ‘Part 3' on Food Network

Last night "Chopped Champions" presented the third round in a series of four competitions to find the sole survivor from past champions of "Chopped" episodes. Only one will earn the title and stand proudly among the "Chopped Champions." The winner will receive $50,000, but they must survive all three rounds of this competition, then be ready to go against the winners of the other three competitions of past winners.

The judges for this episode are; Geoffrey Zakarian, Maneet Chauhan and Scott Conant and the host, as always is Ted Allen.

The competitors are; executive chef Corwin Kave, executive chef Jun Tanaka, chef & restaurateur Elise Kornack and sous chef Lester Walker.

The first round appetizer mystery box contained; Smoked Eel, Cream Cheese Spread, Quince Paste and Haricots Verts. Elise made haricot vert salad with brown butter marinated eel using olives and scallions. Corwin made tom tuah using ginger and fish sauce. Lester made bagels and lox using mirin, soy sauce and baguette. Jun made apple & quince puree with smoked eel using butter, chives and basil. The first chef to be eliminated was Lester whose presentation did not meet the expectations of the judges.

For the second and entree round the mystery box contained; Frog Legs, Yuzu Marmalade, Gin and Firm Tofu. Corwin made buttermilk fried frog legs using turmeric powder and sesame seeds. Elise made frog legs in a gin & vegetable broth using mushrooms and fennel seeds. Jun made caramelized frog legs with deep-fried tofu using cumin and garlic. Jun dropped his frog legs on the floor while preparing his entree. With one mouthful of frog legs for each judge, he has his work cut out for him. Corwin was "Chopped," because the judges felt that his entree did not come together in harmony.

The next round was the dessert box with; Jackfruit, Araucana Eggs, Coconut Macaroons and Chocolate-Covered Pretzels. Elise made araucana egg semifreddo using orange and basil. Jun made jackfruit clafoutis using heavy cream and raspberries. The winner goes to the finals, and it was Jun. Elise did not make the cut because her entree course was not up to the expectations of the three judges. Jun moves on to compete for $50,000 and the title among the "Chopped Champions."