Chopped Sweets

In an all-American, all-desserts competition, a gorgeous flag cake in the first basket sets the scene for a red, white and blue celebration; the most American of desserts -- in an exaggerated form -- is the centerpiece of the second basket.

The competitors get a tropical theme and set out to send the judges on a sweet trip they won't forget; the round-one basket ingredients establish the vibe with an island cocktail and a hip Hawaiian dish.

The competing chefs endeavor to make bright and bold fruit-themed desserts; a tropical drink and a chewy snack keep the chefs' minds spinning in round one; punch and pavlova make for an alluring, alliterative pair in the second round.

Four chefs stretch their imaginations as they craft towering architectural desserts; they face awfully challenging duck offal in the round one basket and play with chocolate, strawberry and peanut flavors in round two.