Maybe you’ve heard of the little show on Food Network called Chopped? In a nutshell four chefs compete to win prize money, there are three rounds (appetizer, entree and dessert) and a chef is eliminated in each round until there are only 2 remaining. At the beginning of each round the contestants are given a “Mystery Basket” of 4 very random ingredients and they have to turn those ingredients into a culinary delight. And if that wasn’t pressure enough, they are under very strict and almost impossible time constraints.
For Allen’s “Date Night Jar” I included a Chopped Challenge stick and he was thrilled to see it, and on Valentine’s Day decided that’s what he wanted to do. I’m not going to lie, I was pretty excited. Also, I realize this makes us huge dorks and I’m okay with that. Just throwing that out there.
So we set some ground rules and created our own Chopped Challenge.
In hindsight, one course may be plenty and we didn’t get too risky on our food choices since it was on a whim but next time I’ll be more prepared. I should also tell you that my husband is never in the kitchen cooking so he was such a good sport for playing along and we both really enjoyed spending the time together and doing something different.
For Allen I picked black beans, refrigerated biscuit dough, crabmeat and sour cream. I played it safe.
During the next round I seared a steak and then put it in the oven (in the pan) to let it finish cooking while I was making my other things. I removed the pan from the oven and a few minutes later went to move the pan and picked it up with my hand! I had completely forgotten that the pan had just come from the oven. Let this be a lesson, safety is key. So that ended our challenge a little earlier but I think we’ll have a dessert only round coming soon.
I always think this would be incredibly fun for a couples night if the couples could complete in teams against other couples. The real fun is not knowing what you’re going to cook with and then being given a small amount of time to figure it out and execute it all while still making it look and taste good.
Love this idea!!! Sounds like so much fun!!!
I love that show! BTB doesn’t cook or I would totally make him do this!
OMG firstly, I’m addicted to Chopped. ADDICTED. My husband and I talk about doing this all the time but we have never actually done it yet… you’ve inspired me!! 🙂
You guys are so ridiculously cute.. Chopped is, of course, one of mine and M’s favorite shows and I love how you brought it to life in your own kitchen! Okay, so.. when are you moving to Maryland? 😉 XO!
I think this is SO fun. I can’t wait to do a “date night jar,” and I’m definitely including this in it! 🙂
That is just the most awesome idea! Especially for us – because we don’t have anyone here to baby sit – so it’s a date night at home that is fun and we don’t have to worry about any details other than shopping. The only thing is — my hubs is an incredible cook and MUCH more creative than me… and he also has a crazy competitive streak – so he’d probably give me things I’d never eat in a million years in my “basket”
This is a great idea. So glad I found your blog. Sending a big “War Eagle” to your hubby. 🙂
LOVE this! (all except the burning your hand part) My husband and I used to challenge each other to “Iron Chef” battles. Nothing more fun than cooking (and sometimes competing) together in the kitchen.
My boyfriend and I had discussed having our own Chopped Challenge too. This is motivation to do so! Sounds fun!