In the latest episode of MasterChef, contestants face the daunting task of creating stunning macarons. Who will rise to the occasion and who will falter under pressure?
‘MasterChef’ Recap: Which Dynamic Duo Crumbles Under Pressure in ‘Macaron Mayhem’?
Tonight’s MasterChef challenge is all about mastering one of the toughest desserts in the world — the beloved macaron. The couples must bake not just a dozen macarons, but a giant tower of perfectly formed delicacies. Find out who crumbles in this sweet challenge in the all-new “Macaron Mayhem” episode of MasterChef: Dynamic Duos airing Wednesday, Aug. 6 (8 p.m. ET/PT) on Fox. Read on for the full recap.
The Contestants
See the full list of Season 15 contestants below (with previously eliminated chefs crossed out).
- Adam & Joel – Brothers – Athens, Ga.
- Ashley & Ricky – Siblings – Orlando, Fla./Buffalo, N.Y.
- Azu & Javier – Divorced Exes – Miami Beach, Fla./Miami
- Darce & Courtney – Animal ER Nurses – Chicago
- Jessica & Jesse – Long Term Relationship – Boston
- Kayla & Ryan Kate – MasterChef Junior Besties – Moriches, N.Y./Grapevine, Texas
- Kevin & Trey – Best Friends – New Bern, N.C./Charlotte, N.C.
- Rachel & Julio – Married – Naples, Fla.
- Timothy & Athena – Newlyweds – Bowie, Md.
- Tina & Aivan – Aunt & Niece – Fountain Valley, Calif./Fairplay, Colo.
- Tonna & Cait – Mother & Daughter – Brandon, S.D.
- Zach & Michelle – Married – Minneapolis
The Challenge
Before revealing this week’s baking challenge, judges Gordon Ramsay, Tiffany Derry, and Joe Bastianich reflect on how many past contestants have fallen victim to the notoriously tricky yet mesmerizingly beautiful macarons. These delicate treats may look innocent, but their exacting nature has shattered the dreams of many. Who will these delectable desserts defeat tonight?
Each Dynamic Duo is tasked with creating at least two different flavors of macarons for their tower. Their workstations are stocked with the essentials, along with a limited pantry for additional flavor options. The duo that crafts the most impressive tower will win the final advantage of the season, while the duo with the weakest tower will face elimination. The clock is ticking — they have just 90 minutes to complete the challenge.
Judgement
Adam & Joel
Dish: Strawberry Cheesecake Macaron and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Macaron
Gordon: “Visually, it’s stunning. The sheen on them is beautiful and consistent. They’re delicious.”
Tiffany: “Overall — the shell, the crunch, the crunch — very consistent.”
Joe: “Technically correct. The flavors are spot-on.”
Jessica & Jesse
Dish: Pistachio & White Chocolate Macaron and Strawberry Cheesecake Macaron
Gordon: “I love the contrast — the combination is beautiful.”
Tiffany: “I like that it tastes like fresh strawberry. It’s really nice.”
Joe: “The strawberry cheesecake is good. The pistachio one, I really like a lot. Not bad.”
Rachel & Julio
Dish: Chocolate & Blood Orange Brigadeiro Macaron and Passion Fruit & White Chocolate Macaron
Gordon: “The chocolate is delicious, but the texture is slightly grainy and it’s a little overcooked.”
Tiffany: “The flavors inside are great, but we’re looking to get the right crunch. It didn’t hit the way that I would want it to hit.”
Joe: N/A
Tina & Aivan
Dish: Matcha Buttercream Macaron and Yuzu & White Chocolate Macaron
Gordon: “This thing is rock hard. That is not the sound of a macaron.”
Tiffany: “It doesn’t leave you wanting more. I do like the yuzu.”
Joe: “This is what happens when you put cream cheese between two biscuits. Even the mighty fall.”
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Zach & Michelle
Dish: Lemon Lavender Macaron and Chocolate Bourbon Macaron
Gordon: “The cook on these are exceptional. The consistency is top-notch. They taste delicious.”
Tiffany: “The chocolate is a little crunchy, but I like the lemon.”
Joe: “Well constructed, but I wish the fillings had more [power].”
Timothy & Athena
Dish: Peach Cobbler Macaron and Banana Pudding Macaron
Gordon: “Visually, it’s all over the place. The medium-sized ones are delicious. The little version is crunchy and overcooked.”
Tiffany: “I do get the flavor of banana. The peach tastes like whipped butter.”
Joe: “They’re all different sizes. The execution is pretty terrible.”
Azu & Javier
Dish: Chocolate Amaretto Macaron and Strawberry & Raspberry Macaron
Gordon: “It’s consistent, but be careful how you assemble them. The flavor profile is there — it’s a tower of art.”
Tiffany: “They’re not filled as evenly as we would like, but the size looks nice. Also, it’s delicious! This is what we’re looking for!”
Joe: “I’m a fan. The flavors are spot-on.”
Winners
The winners of this challenge and the last game-changing advantage of the season were Adam & Joel. The judges also congratulated Azu & Javier and Zach & Michelle for their great macarons this week.
Elimination
The judges decided the worst two pairs were Tina & Aivan and Timothy & Athena. In the end, the Dynamic Duo eliminated was Timothy & Athena. The newlyweds remarked, “We came here on our honeymoon. Being able to show the judges our love and feel that love through our food is more than anything we could have asked for. This was the best wedding gift we could have ever gotten.”
Next Week
The heat is on for the final team challenge of the season! As tonight’s winners, Adam & Joel have earned the power to choose who will stand beside them at the grill for an epic barbecued feast. The stakes have never been higher!
