Worst Cooks in America - Season 17

Fourteen of the worst cooks in America enter boot camp with dreams of putting their kitchen nightmares behind them. Chefs Anne Burrell and Bobby Flay see just what kind of disasters they're dealing with by asking the recruits to create a date night dish. After being sorted into teams, the recruits are shown their chef's signature date night dish and are tasked with replicating it exactly. The recruits on each team with the worst dishes won't be getting a second date.

The remaining recruits return to find boot camp has been transformed into a Mediterranean paradise. They explore Greek cuisine with a game that explores the tradition of plate smashing before learning how to make the Greek classics tzaziki and dolmas. Next, chefs Anne Burrell and Bobby Flay task the recruits with making their own mezze platters and a Greek lamb dish. In the end, the good is separated from the bad and the two worst recruits are sent home.

The recruits enter boot camp prepared for summer fun. They begin by taking a taste buds challenge where they must identify ice cream flavored with spicy peppers. Next, chefs Anne Burrell and Bobby Flay ask the recruits to create their own pretzel and dipping sauce that incorporates both sweet and spicy flavors. For the main dish challenge, the recruits must filet a whole fish and create a side dish with a kick. The two recruits that sink will get sent home!

The recruits enter the world of poultry where they start off with a bird-based quiz game before making their very own omelets. For the main dish challenge, the recruits learn how to make perfect fried chicken. Those who cook the perfect bird will soar on in the competition while those at the bottom of the pecking order will be sent home.

The recruits return to boot camp and find themselves south of the border. Things start with a game where the recruits must smash pinatas filled with various ingredients before making their own tostadas. Next, chefs Anne Burrell and Bobby Flay teach them how to make a mole dish for the main dish challenge. Those who can't master their mole will be asked to leave.

Boot camp has gone retro and the recruits must work together as a family while tasting and describing dishes while blindfolded. The retro theme continues as the recruits learn how to make fondue and receive a visit from Cindy Brady herself, Susan Olsen. Chefs Anne Burrell and Bobby Flay teach the recruits how to make a beautiful brunch but those who aren't having a sunshine day will be sent home.

In the penultimate week of boot camp, the remaining recruits battle it out for their spot in the finale. First, they're each given $15 and 20 minutes to scour Aldi supermarket for the ingredients to make a meal of their choice. For the main dish challenge, the recruits attempt to replicate dishes created by chefs Anne Burrell and Bobby Flay that utilize high-end ingredients. After the tasting, the chefs decide which recruits are going to the finale!

The final two recruits return to boot camp to face one last Skill Drill. They attempt to create impressive dishes that require skills they've learned in boot camp while their mothers secretly watch from the next room. Next, chefs Anne Burrell and Bobby Flay teach their recruits how to make a three-course, restaurant-quality meal they'll have to recreate in order to impress a panel of culinary experts. Judges Vivian Chan, Martina McBride and Donal Skehan taste the dishes in a blind taste test to determine the winner of the $25,000 grand prize.