Brad Sorenson

The five finalists must cook their favorite dish with an ingredient they don't like picked by their families; each assigned "an emotion" and cook telling a story for special guests Eva Longoria and Todd English.

Final four arrive in NYC to compete in a real Iron Chef America battle, head to head.

The remaining eight finalists are asked to make their own food products in a jar; Paula Deen challenges contestants to operate a lunch business at Venice Beach.

The six remaining finalists meet last year's Next Food Network Star; finalists are challenged to cook "dinner for breakfast" with Kellogg's cereal.

Rachael Ray joins the final three to direct them in their pilots; finalists present and are judged based on performance and fans reactions.

The seven remaining finalists get a party theme "in a basket" challenge; finalists serve a retro dish for guests and Frank Sinatra's Estate in Palm Springs.