spinoff: ‘Chopped’ alum Conant pulls double duty this week

By Michelle Rose TV Media

This is one of those shows that can easily be kept fresh by changing the theme. And that has clearly been Food Network’s strategy throughout ths show’s 45-season run, with the launch of special editions, tournaments and even spinoffs, including “Chopped Champions,” “Chopped Grill Masters” and “Chopped Junior.”

The latest addition to the “Chopped” family is “Chopped Sweets,” which airs Mondays on Food Network.

This one is an actual spinoff, whereas 2019’s “Chopped: Sweets

Showdown” was a five-part, dessert-themed tournament with a $50,000 prize. And that explains why Scott Conant is at the helm of “Chopped Sweets” instead of “Chopped” host Ted Allen.

In fact, Conant serves as both host and judge in this series. The three-round competition format, the weekly $10,000 prize, the mystery baskets and even the kitchen are the same as “Chopped.” But true to its title, “Chopped Sweets” focuses solely on desserts and sugary confections. So we probably won’t be seeing Rocky Mountain oysters in those baskets anytime soon (or maybe we will as it still shares the same spirit as “Chopped”).

To give you an idea of how it works, the April 13 episode is titled “Breakfast for Dessert.” The chefs will be tasked with whipping up breakfast-themed desserts, and you can expect a few mystery ingredients like a coffee drink or even waffle dough as they compete in each round.

You might wonder why Conant, a chef and restaurateur known for his pasta, is hosting a sweets-themed contest. You’ll recall Conant previously hosted “Best Baker in America,” so he has experience with hosting dessert competitions. Plus, the Italian food connoisseur is a regular judge and a fan favorite on “Chopped” (do not serve him raw red onions), and a familiar face typically gives a new series a stronger start.

Speaking of parent show “Chopped,” Conant is the judge to beat on the April 14 installment of “Beat the Judge,” a series of special-themed episodes airing this month. Three returning champions will have to take down Conant in each round and avoid elimination. And the mystery ingredients should be just as memorable — especially when Conant has a fierce hatred for one of them.

Sunday, April 12

3:00 a.m. (9) KAWE Dishing With Julia Child Rick Bayless marvels over Julia Child’s knife skills and her superior training technique.

3:30 a.m. (9) KAWE Dishing With Julia Child We discuss how comfortable Julia Child was in her first episode.

Monday, April 13

1:00 p.m. (11) KARE The Rachael Ray Show Viewers are presented with great recipes and simple solutions for everyday issues.

Tuesday, April 14

1:00 p.m. (11) KARE The Rachael Ray Show Viewers are presented with great recipes and simple solutions for everyday issues.

3:30 a.m. (9) KAWE Dishing With Julia Child We discuss how comfortable Julia Child was in her first episode.

Wednesday, April 15

10:30 p.m. (2) KTCA New Scandinavian Cooking Chef Ida Gran-Jansen visits fishing grounds on Norway’s west coast and makes fish soup.

4:30 a.m. (2) KTCA New Scandinavian Cooking Chef Ida Gran-Jansen visits fishing grounds on Norway’s west coast and makes fish soup.

Thursday, April 16

1:00 p.m. (11) KARE The Rachael Ray Show Viewers are presented with great recipes and simple solutions for everyday issues.

Friday, April 17

1:00 a.m. (9) KAWE Dishing With Julia Child Rick Bayless comments on Julia Child’s performance preparing potatoes.

1:30 a.m. (9) KAWE Dishing With Julia Child Vivian Howard and Marcus Samuelsson enjoy Julia Child’s presentation of chickens.

3:30 a.m. (9) KAWE Dishing With Julia Child Rick Bayless comments on Julia Child’s performance preparing potatoes.

Saturday, April 18

7:00 a.m. (2) KTCA Steven Raichlen’s Project Smoke Its bright but complex flavors and affinity for smoke and fire have fueled Mexican food. Hosted by: Steve Raichlen

7:30 a.m. (2) KTCA Cooking With Nick Stellino Crab cakes with spicy tequila; corn and sausage meatballs with tomato sauce; halibut.

8:00 a.m. (2) KTCA Neven’s Irish Food Trails A recipe for grilled turbot with sea beet and Dijon mustard hollandaise is showcased.

8:30 a.m. (2) KTCA Simply Ming

9:00 a.m. (2) KTCA New Scandinavian Cooking

9:30 a.m. (2) KTCA Pati’s Mexican Table Pati makes staples with recipes that have many uses, perfect for families on the go. Hosted by: Pati Jinich

10:00 a.m. (2) KTCA How to Cook Well With Rory O’Connell Today: Macroom mozzarella salad, roast chicken with bread and thyme leaf sauce.

10:30 a.m. (2) KTCA New Orleans Cooking With Kevin Belton Red Beans and Rice; Panned Veal; Bread pudding with Whiskey Sauce.

11:00 a.m. (2) KTCA Joanne Weir’s Plates and Places Recipes include parmesan flan with cherry tomatoes sauce and pizzetta.

11:30 a.m. (2) KTCA Lidia’s Kitchen Risotto, pear and pecorino and short ribs are made.

Noon (2) KTCA America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated

(8) WDSE Garage With Steve Butler Steve builds a sand box. (9) KAWE America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated Dan Souza prepares a meat ravioli with quick tomato sauce.

12:30 p.m. (2) KTCA America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated Recipes include foolproof sous vide rosemary-mustard seed crusted roast beef.

1:00 p.m. (2) KTCA Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Christoper and Lynn Clark show the secret to making perfect puffed pita bread at home.

1:30 p.m. (2) KTCA Dishing With Julia Child We follow Julia Child’s breadmaking recipes for classic pain de mie and raisin bread.

(9) KAWE Barbecue University With Steven Raichlen Grilled fry bread, BBQ bean and Chile rellenos, churrasco portabello.

2:00 p.m. (8) WDSE A Taste of History Thomas Jefferson’s impact on the world of wine; lavender-marinated duck is served.

2:30 p.m. (8) WDSE Cook’s Country From America’s Test Kitchen Tennessee pulled turkey sandwiches and Eastern North Carolina fish stew are made.

3:00 p.m. (8) WDSE America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated Dan Souza prepares a meat ravioli with quick tomato sauce.

3:00 a.m. (9) KAWE Dishing With Julia Child Rick Bayless comments on Julia Child’s performance preparing potatoes.

3:30 a.m. (9) KAWE Dishing With Julia Child Vivian Howard and Marcus Samuelsson enjoy Julia Child’s presentation of chickens.

Brainerd Daily Dispatch, MN: Food Apr 12, 2020 to Apr 18, 2020