The Great American Recipe: Episode 3 Recap

Episode three of The Great American Recipe was full of laughter, delicious food and lots of love. The theme of the episode was Love Language, and the contestants really took it to heart.

In the first round, the cooks had 60 minutes to prepare their most comforting home cooked recipes. In round two, the eight remaining cooks had 90 minutes to prepare a dish inspired by a loved one to share with the panel of judges. Here's who cooked what, who impressed the judges and who was ultimately sent home from the competition.

Contestant Tony Scherber cooked up potstickers in the first round which he considers one of his favorite comfort foods. Unfortunately Tony's vinegar to soy sauce ratio wasn't quite right, and he had to remake an ingredient for the judges. 

Despite the original blunder, contestant Foo Nguyen remained a source of encouragement for Tony as the round continued.

Contestant Foo Nguyen made bánh mì, traditional in Vietnamese cuisine and one of Foo's favorite comfort foods. He impressed the judges with his wide variety of flavor, including from his special ingredient: canned ham. The judges told Foo to bring the flavor, and he brought it in round one.

Robin made her sneaky stuffed shells for the judges which included loads of hidden vegetables in a delicious sauce. While the judges were impressed with the sneaky stuffed shells, they asked for a bit more flavor.

Contestant Bambi Daniels made her extravagant loaded nachos for round one, which were truly loaded with flavor. Bambi spent time chopping away for this extensive recipe. One unique addition to Bambi's nacho recipe was bacon. 

Ultimately the judges loved Bambi's nachos and the layers of good ingredients they contained.

Great American Recipe contestant Brian Leigh made his cranberry white chocolate oatmeal cookies with sour cream frosting. Needless to say, the judges loved Brian's take on his mother's recipe.

In the first round Dan Rinaldi made Calabrian chili pizza which is near and dear to his heart. He grows his own chilis and even brought a pizza pan from home for this special recipe. Dan's recipe truly fit the theme of Love and it paid off with the judges.

There's something about a big bowl of soup that screams "love," and contestant Nikki channeled her love for Pho into this challenge. 

In round two, the eight remaining cooks had 90 minutes to prepare a dish inspired by a loved one to share with the panel of judges. Chef Bambi Daniels made a meal inspired by her mother.

Bambi's dish was delicious and even made judge Tiffany Derry emotional as it reminded her of family. But ultimately her dish didn't push her through to the next round and we said goodbye to the incredible Bambi Daniels.

Check out episode three of The Great American Recipe to find out who made what in the final round!