The chefs are excited to find out that a small plates theme is in effect for their competition. The judges - including the goddess of high standards, judge Martha Stewart -- are expecting modern, creative dining experiences in every round. The first basket features a surprise from one of the judge's restaurants. The entrée basket contains a German sandwich that sounds unappealing to the uninitiated. And the dessert round basket has the final pair of chefs scrambling to make small plates with big flavor that include a sensational citrus.

The Chopped chefs get swept up in mushroom mania, with mushroom surprises in the baskets and plenty in the pantry. In Round One, the competitors try to make a great first impression on judge Martha Stewart with an unusual cocktail and an intensely-flavored protein. In the second basket, the chefs discover a creative use for bacon and a French dessert with a wild twist. Then in the final round, two chefs face the difficult task of making mushrooms into sweet creations.