'MasterChef' Sneaks In Paula Deen Appearance, Has Kids Choose Mystery Box Ingredients (VIDEO)

The contestants were really nervous when they learned the twist on the mystery box challenge this week on "MasterChef." The sons of judges Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliott and Joe Bastianich showed up to select the 15 items from the pantry that would be used to make a gourmet, restaurant-quality dish. As the boys ranged in age from 2 to 13, the contestants had no idea what to expect.

“I’m thinking they’re going to be picking everything from chocolate, to vegetables, to things that just don’t go together," said Jessie, which turned out to be exactly right. The mystery box was filled with chocolate chips, ketchup, peanut butter, a coconut, marshmallows, pineapple, bacon and cheese slices. Impressively, they managed to pull off this challenge.

But that wasn't the only surprise in store for the episode. Paula Deen also showed up to help pick the final four. Filmed back in March, this was before controversy consumed Deen's public image. Zap2It's Andrea Reiher pointed out that Fox didn't advertise Deens' appearance in the episode at all.

According to Rene Lynch of The LA Times, the show actually considered editing the now-controversial chef out of the episode altogether, but realized that would've created an even bigger mess.

The competition nears its end on "MasterChef," Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

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