Cheryl was one of the competitors in Chopped’s first-ever cafeteria-chef competition. Ted was moved by her stories of children at her school in New Haven, Conn., whose only food is what’s provided at school. Cheryl even started a program to give children backpacks of food to take home. Ted called it “the closest I've ever come to crying on television.” 

After beating out her fellow lunch ladies in friendly competition, Cheryl embraced her daughter, Rosie. 

Some of the chefs who stick out most in Ted’s mind are small-business owners who beat out chefs from upscale restaurants. One of them is Einat, a first-season competitor. “Einat had a falafel business, and she went up against an executive chef from a really fancy restaurant, and she kicked his butt,” Ted said. “She's excellent and great and amazing … I won't forget her.” 

After wowing the judges with her dessert of Ricotta and Walnut Quick Grits Fritters, Einat left the kitchen a Chopped champion.