'Worst Cooks in America' 2011 Finale Crowns Hyper Joshie Berger

The 2011 edition of the Food Network's chef makeover show "Worst Cooks in America" came to a conclusion February 20th with the finale showdown. Chefs Robert Irvine and Anne Burrell guided their surviving recruits, wannabe cooks Georg Coleman and Joshie Berger, through a grueling preparation process that ended with taking home the $25,000 grand prize. Here's a look at how Joshie went from "kitchen zero to kitchen hero".

The "Worst Cooks in America" 2011 finale opened with the two remaining recruits walking their way toward the final meeting with their mentors. Georg cited her own "lack of confidence" as her biggest obstacle, while Joshie asserted that he needed most to "focus" in order to come out on top. The two were greeted by mentors Robert and Anne, who reminded them of the seriousness of the final round. Chef Robert revealed that they'd be completing their final challenge tasks at the well-known Tribeca Grill, and Joshie -- a New Yorker -- was delighted. To turn up the heat in the kitchen a little more, Chef Robert proposed a side bet with Chef Anne: If Georg were to take home the win, Chef Anne would be subject to a hair de-spiking make-under. Conversely, a victory by the oft-spastic Joshie would mean a platinum blonde 'do for the burly Chef Robert. The pair agreed on the wager, and the action got going in earnest.

Chef Anne began her consultation with Joshie by warning him that she had "an ambitious menu" in store. Joshie worried when she introduced the appetizer he'd be responsible for producing -- a Fried Zucchini Blossom, asserting that he'd never even heard of it. Georg was more excited about the chowder Chef Robert told her she'd be preparing. Here's a look at the menus each "Worst Cooks in America" finalist was responsible for producing:

Chef Robert's Georg:
Roasted Corn Chowder with Lobster Tail Salad
Roasted Rack of Lamb with Goat Cheese Potato Cake
Deep Fried Bananas with Lavendar and Honey

Chef Anne's Joshie:
Fried Zucchini Blossom with Grilled Veggie Panzanella
Brined Pork Chop with Fennel Sausage
Blueberry Nectarine Crisp with Mascarpone Cheese

After their consultations, Georg and Joshie were given 45 minutes to shop for their respective ingredients. Joshie ran through the store like a crazed preschooler, riding a cart from one aisle to the next, but Georg stole the show by losing her own cart. Oops.

Back at the studio, the Chefs got down to business with their respective protegees as they guided trials runs of each of their dishes. Anne popped in for a taste of Georg's corn chowder, and chided Robert for using a plain old soup as a dish in the "Worst Cooks in America" 2011 finale challenge. Chef Robert struck back, asserting that Joshie's zucchini blossom had "half the ocean" in it. Meh heh.

Both challengers struggled. Chef Anne declared that if Joshie repeated his performance the next day, he'd be screwed. Georg felt "panic" and "stress" set in as she had issues with multitasking. Chef Robert noted that she looked "like a deer in the headlights". While Joshie burned his pork chops, Georg's lamb came out much too rare. It's a tricky business, that's for sure.

The following day, Joshie and Georg met at the Tribeca Grill for the final "Worst Cooks of America" challenge. They learned that they'd have 90 minutes to serve their appetizers, and 45 minutes each for entrees and desserts. They also learned that they'd be accompanied in the kitchen by Chefs Robert and Anne, not as helpers, but as motivators.

Georg felt empowered by an increased sense of confidence, while Chef Anne was impressed by Joshie's unusually calm demeanor. Chef Robert called Georg's soup "a home run" while Chef Anne was "nervous" over Joshie's zucchini blossoms.

The Chefs introduced the first course to the judging panel, which included Donatella Arpaia, Marc Murphy and Tribeca Grill co-owner Drew Nieporent. The appretizers were presented to the judges labeled with simply an X (Georg's soup) and a Y (Joshie's blossoms). Donatella praised Georg's "vibrant, hearty soup" while Drew enjoyed the quality of the lobster. Drew enjoyed the "crunch" of Joshie's flower, but Marc complained that it contained too much goat cheese. All of them agreed that the panzanella was too soggy. Round one? Probably a victory for Georg.

The "Worst Cooks in America" 2011 finale continued with the entree round. While Chef Robert worried over Georg's potato cake preparation and whether or not her lamb would be cook thoroughly, Chef Anne praised Joshie's cool head as he struggled with the sausage machine, proclaiming that she'd put her "money on the right horse" by choosing him as her representative.

The servers returned to present the entrees to the judging panels. Marc called Georg's lamb "the best thing on the plate" but Donatella disliked the potato cake. Donatella noted that the seasoning on Joshie's pork was "perfect", but complained of a "burn problem". Marc enjoyed the entire plate of food. So round two went to Joshie.

The dessert round saw Chef Robert worrying that Georg had friend her bananas too early and Joshie worrying over the presentation of his own dish. When the final buzzer sounded, the contestants embraced their mentors. Joshie was pleased with his overall performance and said that he'd be happy even if he didn't win, while Georg was confident about her chances. (Ooh, overconfidence is so often the Kiss of Loss.)

March enjoyed the chocolate and honey of Georg's dish, but Donatella called it "soggy" and "chewy". Joshie's dish was deemed "deleeeecious" by Drew. In reviewing the meals, they praised Georg's "depth of flavor" and Joshie's "really satisfying dishes". Chefs Anne and Robert introduced Joshie and Georg to the panel, and the trio praised them for their achievements in the competition.

After the judges critiqued the dishes, it was time for the big reveal on the "Worst Cooks of America" 2011 finale, and Joshie came away the victor. The hyperspastic lawyer jumped into his mentor's arms in excitement and he celebrated the win. But that wasn't all: Chef Robert kept his word, and went blonde before the last frame aired. So that's it for this season's "Worst Cooks".