Suvechha Sarkar
The competition is only getting fiercer in season 15 of Fox’s ‘MasterChef: Dynamic Duos.’ In episode 7, titled ‘Mystery Box,’ the competitors can feel the tension simmer with their knives at the ready. With the trio—Gordon Ramsay, Tiffany Derry, and Joe Bastianich—taking their place on the judge’s panel, the episode brings both excitement and dread in equal measure. All five duos from the previous week’s Blue Team now find themselves in a perilous position, having to face the show’s most feared trial: the Pressure Challenge.
A Surprise Mystery Box Challenge Kicks Off the Pressure Test
The week’s episode kicks off as all the duos enter the kitchen and are welcomed by the judges. Gordon congratulates the Red Team for winning last week’s challenge and instructs them to take their place on the balcony since they are safe from elimination. However, this is not the case for the Blue Team, which includes Timothy and Athena, Tonna and Cait, Ryan Kate and Kayla, Azu and Javier, and Darce and Courtney. Gordon then inquires of Timothy and Athena, who were the captains in the previous challenge, as to what happened. Timothy promptly explains how he wants to apologize to his wife because he inadequately supported her as a captain, leading to their downfall. Ryan Kate also adds that her unwell health had thrown her off balance, but she is not going to let it happen again.
When Tiffany asks who among the Blue team had tasted the entire sandwich, no one comes forward. It only prompts the judge to bluntly point out that they couldn’t have expected to win. Without wasting any time, Gordon instructs everyone to pick up their black apron for the challenge and dives right into the explanation. He informs them that the Pressure Challenge is harder because of the limited time and is always about survival. Tiffany chimes in that for the challenge, the chefs are facing a mystery box, and they have to use the ingredients from the same. Lastly, Joe adds that in the end, one duo is going to bid goodbye to the kitchen. However, each duo is left baffled as they pick up their mystery box and see only a mat under it. That is when Gordon reveals that the boxes are made out of chocolate.
The first Pressure Test is also the first dessert challenge of the season. For the night’s challenge, they have to use chocolate from the mystery box alongside a nicely stocked pantry full of gorgeous spices, fruits, and berries to make an incredible chocolate dessert. The judges expect nothing other than elevated, head-turning dishes prepared within 75 minutes. As the clock begins ticking, the duos rush to collect their ingredients from the pantry. Ryan Kate observes that in the last challenge, she and Kayla did not perform well, and this time, she hopes they have what it takes to survive the challenge. Meanwhile, Tonna and Cait reveal how their dessert dish means a lot to them because their story as a stepmom and a stepdaughter began when Cait turned eight.
Emotions and Risks Run High as the Duos Face a Tough Challenge
Cait’s mother passed away when she was seven. During her eighth birthday, Tonna had offered to make the exact chocolate cake they are preparing today. With five minutes already gone, Gordon notes that 75 minutes is not long to conceptualize a stunning chocolate dessert, and hence, it’s more important than ever to work as a team. He further points out how they are working with chocolate, one of the most difficult ingredients, because any mishap can lead to a disaster. The focus shifts to Timothy and Athena, where the former notes how they had a setback in the previous challenge but are ready to redeem themselves. Right then, he notices that the mousse he made for the dessert is melting. He horrifically realizes that he may have overwhipped it and decides to redo it since the texture is essential.
With only 50 minutes remaining, Gordon observes that the duos are under immense pressure. For the night, they are testing not only plating skills and time management but also how cohesively they synchronize. Meanwhile, Azu and Javier disclose that they are preparing one of their son, Santiago’s, favorite dishes. At the 45-minute mark, Gordon arrives at Kayla and Ryan Kate’s station to understand what they are creating. Although he mentions that their preparation sounds complicated, he believes they can bounce back tonight. He also cautions them not to overcook their cake sponges. Tiffany approaches Darce and Courtney and learns they are creating a dessert with vegan and non-vegan components. However, the judge remarks that since they have not been doing well with the vegan components, they can mainly focus on making the food delicious.
When Joe arrives at Tonna and Cait’s station, he discovers they are using gochujang caramel. Upon tasting it, he notes that the paste is spicy, rich, and caramelly at the same time and observes that it can be risky and intense. Hence, he cautions them to ensure the flavors are all balanced. In the meantime, Gordon hears carefully what Timothy and Athena are preparing. However, he advises them not to put their dessert in the oven too early. As the last 35 minutes tick down, Tiffany returns to the panel and informs Joe and Gordon about Darce and Courtney’s preparation. She notes that if they can keep the texture perfect with their vegan component, then it can be delicious. Joe expresses concern that they are playing a high-risk game. He also adds that he hopes Cait and Tonna’s use of gochujang in the dessert remains balanced.
As the Pressure Mounts, Cracks Begin to Show in Some Teams’ Confidence
Right after, Gordon notes that although Timothy is a little discouraged due to their loss in the previous challenge, he is bringing some of his self-confidence for today’s challenge. He also points out how Kayla and Ryan Kate’s dessert sounds tricky since there are several components. It prompts Joe to express concern about whether they are going to be able to complete it within time. However, in a moment of pressure, Ryan Kate discovers that she has to remake a part of the dessert again, raising her stress levels. To manage the situation, Kayla reassures her not to freak out since they only have to focus on their dessert.
At the beginning of the final 30-minute countdown, Gordon approaches Javier and Azu to understand their concept of the dish. However, upon learning about their technique, the judge expresses his concern. However, when Gordon notices that their technique is eventually working out, he wishes them good luck and asks them to focus. From his panel, he notices Timothy putting their dessert early in the oven with still 22 minutes left. Timothy explains to the judges that all the cups have been put into the oven simultaneously, but each has a different amount of cake. This only raises concerns for the judges. Meanwhile, they turn their attention to Javier, who is helping Azu to unwrap the dessert. Considering the end result, the judges, along with the contestants on the balcony, are impressed.
When Timothy takes the desserts out with 15 minutes remaining on the clock, Gordon notes that they should’ve put the cake at this time for best results. He also cautions him not to poke the desserts since it may negatively affect them. Gordon remarks that baking needs confidence and patience, and Timothy is lacking both of them now. In the final five minutes, Darce and Courtney rush to ensure their dessert is properly set. As the final few seconds tick down, the duos rush to plate their desserts and garnish them to present before the judges. In the end, Azu notes that she and Javier have shown exceptional teamwork and think it is going to work. Similarly, Ryan, Kate, and Kayla hope that their dish will keep them safe from elimination.
While Some Receive Praise, Others Face Harsh Criticism Under the Judges’ Scrutiny
It is finally time for the judges to taste the skillfully prepared chocolate desserts by the duos. First up is Kayla and Ryan Kate, who have prepared Cardamom-Spiced Chocolate Cake. Gordon quickly remarks that their plating looks elegant, and he is impressed by the way they work together. To their delight, all three judges unanimously agree that their dessert is exceptionally prepared. It is now the turn of Azu and Javier, who have created a Chocolate Roulade. Both Tiffany and Gordon quickly note that the dish is stunning and looks delicious. However, the latter also adds that he hopes it tastes as tasty as it looks. Although the judges compliment how well the roulade is prepared, they point out that the strawberry mint sorbet they served with the dessert does not go well with it.
Gordon explains that he would’ve preferred a slight touch of salt with the caramel chocolate because they got the ratios wrong. Right after, Timothy and Athena present their chocolate lava cake to the judges. However, the duo is not very confident, and Timothy is worried that the cakes are overcooked. Gordon remarks that despite the cakes looking inviting, he cannot fathom why they put them so early in the oven. Timothy explains that he wanted to ensure the outside was set and the dessert was not undercooked. However, Joe adds that he hopes the lava comes oozing out when he cuts it open. Unfortunately, none of the judges find the lava molten as they cut their cakes. Although they add that the cake tastes delicious, Joe feels they have failed to serve what they originally intended.
Gordon also observes that Timothy and Athena’s timing for preparing the cake was quite off. Tonna and Cait have prepared Layered Chocolate Buttermilk Cake, which gets immense praise from all three judges for its perfect layering, texture, and flavors. It is now the turn of Courtney and Darce, who have created cannoli with chocolate cashew ricotta filling. Joe instantly expresses disappointment since the cannoli doesn’t look like what it’s supposed to look like. Instead, he remarks that it is overfried and too dense, like an over-fried egg roll. While Gordon states that the filling is too strong, Tiffany points out its grainy texture and too much cashew flavor, which confuses the palate. With that being said, the judges excuse themselves to deliberate on the details of each dessert.
Despite Strong Efforts, Darce and Courtney Are Eliminated in the Pressure Test
Ultimately, Gordon announces that three among the five duos have stood out before the judges with their dishes. They are none other than Tonna and Cait, Kayla and Ryan Kate, and Azu and Javier. He then announces that they can go upto the balcony since they are safe from elimination. As the choice comes down to Darce and Courtney and Timothy and Athena, Gordon points out how the former’s traditional cannoli shell and fillings were both off, and the latter shot their foot by putting their cakes too early in the oven. Unfortunately, he announces that Darce and Courtney are the ones to get eliminated.
The judges explain how they worked as individuals instead of being a duo for the Pressure Test, but wish them all the best for their dream of creating their own Vegan cafe in the future. In their exit interview, Courtney expresses emotionally that cooking vegan food before Gordon only makes her grateful for her experience. She adds that she is crying happy tears. Similarly, Darce also opens up that she is grateful to have reached this far in the competition and to be in the Top 10. All eyes are now on the next episode to see what challenge the judges have in store next for the nine remaining duos.
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