No longer just watching, Chopped judges are taking over the kitchen

Chopped judges triumph over baskets that had chef contestants flummoxed.

The Chopped judges take on notorious mystery baskets. Alex Guarnaschelli wrestles with puff pastry, Maneet Chauhan and Chris Santos have a fish-and-chips battle, and a wine-sipping Ted Allen provides dramatic narration.

Chopped judges are ready for anything. Marc Murphy's "chef cam" shows a new angle, breakfast unites the boys until Ted Allen throws ingredients at Scott Conant, and Maneet Chauhan's title of Maestro of Spice is put on the line.

In the Chopped judges' first round, they revisit a dessert basket. In round two, a rack of lamb offers them a chance to show off their skills. In the final round, they find creative ways to include late-night-themed ingredients.

Chopped judges try to tame sugary kid favorites. Churros and champagne figure as Alex Guarnaschelli and Marc Murphy tackle celebrity tournament ingredients. Once Scott Conant perfects his hair, he takes on a whole suckling pig.

Geoffrey Zakarian hosts as Ted Allen and the judges face a carnival-themed basket full of fried snacks. Alex Guarnaschelli speaks up when she notices someone forgot an item, then the chefs tear into Thanksgiving ingredients.

Chopped judges must work "watermelon brains" and chocolate-covered bugs into Halloween desserts. Trash-talk and ingredient thievery ensue as they tackle Grandma's meatloaf. French custard proves tricky to work into appetizers.

Chopped judges face goat heads in round one. In round two, they must make sense of ingredients in disguise. In round three, they take on ingredients from a barbecue competition.

The Chopped judges must use creepy, bloody and slimy foods, striped bass and pizza to create culinary masterpieces.