(lively music) - This season of "The Great American Recipe" is I think the best one yet.

- That smells good.

- If you haven't had my lamb chops, we're not friends yet.

(Francis laughing) (lively music) - Season three is exciting because it's all fresh faces and everyone's just getting better and better.

This is a really delicious plate of food.

And of course two brand new judges, Francis and Tim, who are bringing all of their knowledge and their warmth to our beautiful little family.

- One of the things that brings me so much joy about this show is the fact that I'm able to mentor.

I grew up eating Southern food.

We want something that's gonna be beautiful.

Good luck.

- Thank you, sir.

- We're not there to cast judgment from on high and tell you, "Oh, your food was great and yours was bad."

We really approach it as how do we make something wonderful together?

Can I have a taste of the corn?

- Sure.

(Francis speaking in Spanish) (contestant speaking in Spanish) - Home cooks are now understanding flavor profiles.

Their food is delicious, but it also tells a story.

- [Francis] We have home cooks from the northeast, from the southwest.

We have a home cook from Alaska.

- Hello, Chef.

- What are you making?

- Alaska sausage.

It's made with some reindeer meat.

Have a little tasty.

- I tried reindeer for the first time.

I think this was the first time for all of us.

- That is delicious.

- America is a country that's built on so many different nationalities.

- So what I've made for you today is oxtail and palm nuts too.

- It just like warms your heart and this is my first time trying palm nuts.

- Awesome.

- Thank you for introducing me.

- Food really builds bridges between people and culture.

- This wok looks well loved.

- Over 50 years.

My mom gave it to me.

- 50 years?

- You can take all my jewelry away, but do not take my wok.

(judges laughing) - We are a competition show, but we really are celebrating each other along the way.

Your food is all part of that American story.

- The home cooks are on a journey together.

You really fall in love with them.

(lively music ending)