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Monday Morning in the Kitchen: "Chopped" at Home


Youngest son introduced John to the TV show, "Chopped," and now we often will watch an episode or two.  The basic idea is that chefs compete to produce a dish that contains mystery ingredients.  The show starts with 4 chefs each making an appetizer.  Three chefs progress to the entree round, then the two finalists compete during the dessert round.



We decided to do an adaptation of the show for Family Home Evening last week.  I chose the mystery ingredients, and John and the two girls at home each made an appetizer.  We decided to set the clock for 45 minutes (as opposed to the 20 minutes on the show).  All of us got to taste each appetizer.  I was to be the judge.  John said to not be shy about judging, as "we are all adults here."  Youngest daughter piped up that she certainly wasn't an adult yet.  That made my decision very easy, and I declared her the winner.  :-)

The mystery ingredients were: frozen tortilla-crusted tilapia, fresh cauliflower, and grated cheddar cheese.  Here are the three plates:

Oldest daughter presented a cheesy potato-cauliflower puree, topped with tilapia sprinkled with parsley, and garnished with strawberry.

Youngest daughter opted for steamed cauliflower, tilapia portions garnished with strawberry, and cheesy potatoes with sour cream powder, sprinkled with parsley.

John served deep-fried tilapia and onion pieces, accompanied with a cauliflower puree.
After we enjoyed our dinner of appetizers, I served a dessert I created:  Mango Blackberry Crisp.

 
Mango Blackberry Crisp

In an 8-inch square dish, combine 6 oz. fresh blackberries, 3 small mangoes (peeled and chopped), 1 apple (peeled and chopped), 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, and a scant 1/4 cup (not-packed) brown sugar.  In a bowl, combine:  1/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup (packed) brown sugar, and 1/4 cup coconut flakes.  Cut in 1/4 cup butter, then place on top of fruit mixture.  Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped pecans on top.  Bake for 25 minutes at 350° F. 

Thanks for fun times together in the kitchen.


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Comments

  1. DebbieMay 6, 2013 at 6:50 AM

    What fun and they all look delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  2. NancyMay 6, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    A fun activity for the whole family.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ChristineMay 6, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    That is a favorite show of ours, too. The kids have played both indoor and outdoor versions. Outdoor is weighted heavily on presentation, as no one will eat the creations. :)
    Your kids did a great job! Jon's could have used some work. :)
    The crumble looks fantastic. I know a couple boys who would love it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dogwood Lane RamblesMay 6, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    Sounds like a fun evening and you get to eat it's a win/win. We love to watch this show too. In fact Food Network is a favorite at our house, sometimes I even try cooking. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. MarissaMay 6, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Oh my goodness!! I need to try that Mango crisp .. You got some good recipes..

    ReplyDelete
  6. PamelaMay 6, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    How fun! Creative food. And the dessert sounds delicious. I'll have to try it. I like chopped, too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Stevie HannaMay 6, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    This is the cutest thing I've ever heard! A while back I was hooked on that show "Chopped" but never thought to do it with family (or even friends). How fun!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Marisa BMay 7, 2013 at 3:44 AM

    We love that show...my gang has told me many times that they want to challenge me with a box....so far it hasn't happened. Although I often times claimed its like "Chopped" when I had to make something that was not planned. Your Mango Blackberry Crisp looks yummy... I will need to try it soon!

    ReplyDelete
  9. ~Kc WaddellMay 7, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    What a fun idea! I've gotten Grampy hooked on watching Chopped, too! But must admit your dessert looks like the best part!

    ReplyDelete

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