Phoebe and Max challenge the competing chefs to execute recipes from two iconic TV show-themed cookbooks. First, the chefs create soup recipes from a cookbook inspired by the sitcom Seinfeld. Then, taking a cue from a classic Friends episode with a memorable food moment, the chefs must execute their own unique dish by combining two different recipes from The Official Friends Cookbook.

Phoebe and Max challenge the competing chefs to execute cookbook recipes using only the images of the final dishes. First, the chefs are challenged to put their spin on an ancient Egyptian bread recipe as depicted on a tomb wall painting. Then, they must take inspiration from paintings featured in The Bob Ross Cookbook to create happy little dishes that showcase their cooking artistry.

Phoebe and Max send the competing chefs on a culinary journey through time, cooking first from an ancient and then from a futuristic cookbook. First, the chefs must interpret some of the oldest recipes in existence, taken from Ancient Roman cookbooks. Then they battle it out to execute futuristic cookbook recipes generated by AI technology to prove whose skills can stand the test of time.

Phoebe and Max challenge the competing chefs to execute recipes from baking-inspired cookbooks. First up, the chefs create meringue-based desserts from a retro 1960s cookbook written by legendary actor Vincent Price and his wife, Mary. Then the chefs are challenged to conjure up some culinary magic by creating a popular German confection featured in a fairytale-themed cookbook.

Phoebe and Max challenge the competing chefs to execute cookbook recipes inspired by royalty. First, the chefs must decipher and then prepare historic centuries-old recipes from three English royal cookbooks. Then they are challenged to cook a meal fit for The King, putting their spin on an iconic Elvis Presley-inspired cookbook recipe, to show whose skills reign supreme.

Phoebe and Max challenge the competing chefs to execute recipes from two fine dining cookbooks. First, the chefs re-create opulent cookbook recipes from the Titanic's fateful voyage over 100 years ago. Then they prepare recipes from an elegant, modern-day Moroccan cookbook, to prove who has both the technique and the immaculate presentation skills to pull off an elaborate five-star meal.