‘MasterChef’ recap: Top 12 caters a ‘royal wedding’ that ends in kitchen fire and a bitter send-off
Here's what's trending across the USA right now:
With 50 hungry wedding guests standing between the home cooks and survival, the pressure to deliver a five-star feast has never been higher — and by the end of the night, one team is left praying for a happily ever after that doesn't involve packing up their apron. Gordon Ramsay , Tiffany Derry, and Joe Bastianich are all in attendance to make sure the happy couple — and 50 very opinionated guests — get a wedding to remember. Related Stories ‘Big Brother 28’ live eviction recap: Was Jason, Lala, or Mallory the 3rd houseguest eliminated? (updating) ‘MasterChef’ champs Jessica and Jesse on their Gordon Ramsay-officiated wedding: ‘Papa Gordon eased our nerves’
Adding to this, There's no time for cold feet: the Top 12 are split into two teams and handed the ultimate high-pressure assignment — cook a wedding feast worthy of Jessica and Jesse's big day. As Boston natives, the couple makes their request clear: scallops for the appetizer, duck for the entree. Simple asks on paper, but a minefield for a home cook trying to impress a bride, groom, and 50 wedding guests all at once.
Meanwhile, As last week's challenge winner, Maria gets to hand-pick the teams — and Gordon makes the stakes brutally clear: the winning team is safe from elimination, but at least one home cook on the losing side is going home. Maria doesn't overthink her decision, reuniting with Team Africa after their partnership already delivered a win in the last team challenge. That leaves Team Asia-Pacific and Team Europe to join forces once again, hoping for a very different outcome this time around. Peter and Aishu are team captains.
Notably, Before the dishes go out to the wedding guests, the judges put everything through a taste test first.
As per the latest buzz, Team Red (Asia-Pacific/Europe) Appetizer: Seared Scallops with Crispy Pancetta and Creamy Polenta Entree: Duck à l'Orange with Roasted Asparagus and Cauliflower Puree
In further updates, The taste test doesn't go their way. Gordon calls the scallops "bland" and says they're nowhere near seasoned, while Tiffany compares the polenta to cream of wheat. It doesn't get better at the entree: the sauce is "terrible" and the duck is underseasoned, prompting Tiffany to declare it's "not MasterChef quality at all." It's back to the drawing board for Team Red, who now have to scramble to fix the seasoning before service.
On top of that, Team Blue (Americas/Africa) Appetizer: Seared Scallops with Crispy Pancetta, Golden Beet Frisée Salad, and Citrus Beurre Blanc Entree: Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Parsnip Purée, Sautéed Mushrooms, Green Beans, and Cherry Reduction
Team Blue isn't off the hook either. Gordon blasts a raw scallop that's ice cold in the middle, and Peter doesn't hold back, pointing the finger at Maria. Gordon suggests the team pull Maria off scallop duty entirely. The duck fares better — Tiffany says it just needs crispier skin, but otherwise calls it a strong dish.
Source: Gold Derby