MasterChef USA

MasterChef hopefuls will prepare their signature dishes and present them to judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot.

Nerves are tested as the judges continue to winnow down the Top 100 in their search for America's best amateur cook.

The auditions continue and, as usual, the contestants have five minutes to cook their signature dishes in front of the judges. Once they receive at least two votes from the three judges, they receive a white apron.

Thirty-eight of the nation's best amateur cooks have earned a coveted apron and are progressing to the next stage in the competition to become MasterChef. Now, they will face two culinary stress tests determining which 18 will move on.

For their first mystery box challenge the contestants have sixty minutes to create a dish with salmon as the main ingredient as well as other ingredients.

The contestants are divided into two teams and have to cook a five-course meal consisting of a soup, a salad, pizza, a special entrée and a dessert for three hundred and fifty office workers.

The contestants have sixty minutes to create a dish consisting of a rack of New Zealand lamb and other ingredients.

The contestants are split into two teams for their next team challenge and have to cook a sausage sandwich for 101 bikers. The bikers vote, and the first team to receive 51 votes wins.

Thirteen cooks survived last week's epic team challenge in the competition to become "MasterChef", but judge Gordon Ramsay cautions them that there are still many hurdles to overcome.

The contestants are brought to Ramsay's restaurant at The London West Hollywood Hotel to cater a Hollywood party. They are required to make three different dishes: beef, vegetable, and dessert.