Tis the season to shake things up. The chefs learn that as an added challenge, their dishes must have a holiday theme. The mystery ingredients include venison and marshmallows.
Contestants find ways to incorporate zucchini blossoms into their appetizers. The judges are disturbed by how one chef disrespects the kitchen in the Entree Round. In the Dessert Round fresh chickpeas are in the mystery basket.
The chefs race to get chicken wings cooked in time. Then in the Entree Round, the chefs have caught a break with catfish in the basket. For the Dessert Round they work with cherry tomatoes.
When the chefs make some unusual choices in composing soft-shell crab appetizers, the judges give them a chance to defend their dishes or graciously accept criticism.