Food Network Star — Season 3

Season 3 kicks off as the 11 finalists are introduced and presented with their first three challenges. They must create an original dish for a dinner party; decorate a wedding cake; and cater a wedding for 100 guests in six hours. The 11 finalists struggle to complete their first three assignments, which include creating an original dish for a Selection Committee dinner party; decorating a wedding cake; and catering a wedding for 100 guests in six hours.

Giada De Laurentis tests the contestants on their presentation skills. The winner's dish will appear on the cover of Bon Appetit magazine.

A chocolate challenge is given by former NBA player Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins and last season's winner Guy Fieri. Then, the contestants must put a unique spin on stadium food and serve their creations at a New Jersey Nets game. Basketball fans choose the winner.

Paula Deen and Giada De Laurentiis instruct the remaining finalists to prepare comfort-food dishes for troops at Fort Dix in New Jersey

The contestants build their own brand by making a packaged food that represents their unique point of view; they also film their first full-scale, on-camera cooking demonstration.

The remaining four finalists each get a surprise sous chef to help them on an “Iron Chef” battle, where they must create three dishes in one hour. Judges: Bobby Flay; Cat Cora; Karine Bakhoum.

Three hopefuls remain and they head to Rachael Ray's daily talk show, where each will prepare a signature dish. Then, the final two contestants are chosen.

In the Season 3 finale, the two remaining finalists head to Miami's South Beach Food Wine Festival, where they'll prepare a meal for Food Network stars. Then, a winner is chosen live in New York.

The last two finalists fly to Miami and cook for all the Food Network stars at the South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Then it's back to New York, where the winner is revealed, live!