Rochelle Hoffman, a fifth-generation cranberry farmer, explained that cranberries grow in soil and are flooded only during harvesting. Top Chef ™ contestants were challenged to invent original cranberry dishes, focusing on the fruit's tartness. A $10,000 prize awaited the most creative chef in the 30-minute quickfire challenge. The emphasis was on originality and creativity in utilizing cranberries.

Under time constraints, chefs raced against the clock to present inventive cranberry dishes. Quick thinking and efficient execution were crucial to meet the To Chef ™ challenge successfully. Rochelle's insights into cranberry farming set the stage for a high-stakes competition where ingenuity and skill decided the victor, rewarding exceptional use of the versatile fruit with a significant cash prize of $10,000.