This summer on?, the??reality cooking competition?enters its 15th season with a brand-new theme: Dynamic Duos. For the first time in history, pairs of home cooks will participate together, in hopes of becoming America’s next?MasterChefs.
From married and dating couples, to mothers and daughters, siblings, best friends and even divorcees — relationships are tested in some of the toughest challenges to date. Tonight,?
and?Joe Bastianich?welcome new judge, award-winning chef?Tiffany Derry, as they embark on their search for America’s best home cook duos.
Tonight, six pairs of home cooks go head-to-head fighting to win legendary white aprons in the all-new “The Audition Battles” season premiere episode of?MasterChef: Dynamic Duos?airing Wednesday, May 21 (8 p.m. ET/PT) on Fox. Follow our live blog below to see who advanced.
The winners of?MasterChef: Dynamic Duos?will win the trophy, the title, and $250,000. Let's get this season started!
Battle 1
Jesse and Jessica (dating) vs. Zach and Michelle (married)
Zach and Michelle: Chili-Spiced Chicken Leg with Mascarpone Polenta, Blistered Tomatoes, and Breadcrumbs. Gordan calls it "beautiful" and says, "I love the color of the chicken." Tiffany says her mouth watered as she watched Gordon cutting into the chicken and it tastes "delicious." Joe calls it "an excellent dish."
Jesse and Jessica: Crispy Skin Salmon with Roasted Broccolini, Aji Verde Green Sauce and Pickled Fresnos. Joe comments on the courage it takes to not put a single carb or starch on the plate. That salmon is cooked beautifully and Gordon says, "It tastes as good as it looks." Terry calls the salmon "unbelievable" but says they could have seared it just a little bit longer.
Winners:?Zach and Michelle
Battle 2
Tina and Aivan (aunt/niece) vs. Shanda and Asa (cousins)
Tina and Aivan: Vietnamese Steamed Bass with Black Bean Sauce, Glass Noodles, and Herb Salad. Gordon loves the elegance and says, "It's got 'eat me' all over it!" The bass is glistening and noodles are "perfect." Tiffany says she wishes her dish had just a little acid — maybe just some lime zest to "perk it up." Joe calls it "full-flavored and delicious."
Shanda and Asa: Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Pistachio Risotto. Joe calls it "inviting" and says they put a lot of technique into it. Gordon says the duck is "juicy and seasoned beautifully," but the risotto is a little too rich. Tiffany also compliments the duck, but the risotto is undercooked.
Battle 3
Azu and Javier (divorced exes) vs. Athena and Timothy (newlyweds)
Athena and Timothy: Curried Lamb Chops with Mashed Potatoes, Candied Asparagus, and Mint Chutney. Gordon compliments the aesthetic and cook on the lamb. Tiffany says it's rare to cook a rack of lamb so perfectly, but the asparagus is lacking. Joe says the dish represents the love and unity of the cooks who made it.
Azu and Javier: Oaxacan Chicken Roulade Stew with Rolled Chicken Breast and Tomato, Plantain, Raisin, and Almond Sauce. Gordon calls it "attractive" but says he's never seen a stew "that firm." The chicken is cooked beautifully and the sauce is "delicious," but the judges would prefer more liquid. Tiffany compliments the flavors and Joe calls it "an excellent effort."
Winners:?Athena and Timothy
