Ted Allen hosts “Chopped Grill Masters”

Whether a master of the grill or a master of getting grilled (in final exams, that is), "Chopped" is the place to be. It might be Food Network's most iconic show, with 23 seasons under its belt, more specials than you can shake a stick of asparagus at and nearly 300 episodes to date.

This summer sees a sequel of sorts to last year's duo of special "Chopped" tournaments. First up is "Chopped Grill Masters," which was a big hit for Food Network last summer. The tasty tournament got underway July 14 and airs Tuesday nights.

Host Ted Allen has led the contestants and judges alike out of "Chopped" kitchen and into the great outdoors, where the grills are fired up and ready to go. Instead of having all the usual cooking gadgets at their disposal, the contestants have good old-fashioned grills and barbecue-themed ingredients with which to make their culinary creations.

In this week's episode, airing Tuesday, July 28, two of the competitors are engaged -- but their love for each other won't stop their drive to be named Chopped Champion. Of course, with mystery ingredients such as oddly flavored ice cream and a surprise that's very much alive, their drive to compete will need to be pretty strong, indeed.

Of course, this is a tournament and that means that there can only be one winner. After four episodes with just one winner in each, the four champions will face off Aug. 11 to determine the winner of the $50,000 grand prize and the true champion of "Chopped Grill Masters."

Two weeks later, on the 25th, a whole new culinary circus pulls into town. The second "Chopped Teen Tournament" will pit youthful cooks against each other in what must be the most exciting summer break of their young lives. These youngins might not have the years of experience that most "Chopped" contestants do, but they definitely have the skills and drive to get ahead. They'll need it, too, if they want to walk away with the $25,000 up for grabs.

As the summer rolls on, the promise of cold, hard cash may be the best thing around to help the contestants in "Chopped's" two summer tournaments -- "Grill Masters" and "Teen Tournament" -- beat the heat. Catch the action Tuesdays on Food Network.