Watch Episode 5 of Star Salvation

The penultimate battle of Food Network Star: Star Salvation kicked off not with a taste of food but with a whiff of it. See how the hopefuls fared this week.
Food Network Star

Host Eddie Jackson and Finalist Monterey Salka during the Smell Your Way to Success challenge, as seen on Star Salvation for Food Network Star, Season 12.

Photo by: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Eddy Chen, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Star Salvation Episode 5
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The penultimate battle of Star Salvation kicked off not with a taste of food but with a whiff of it. Returning hopefuls Monterey and Yaku welcomed newcomer Erin, and all three sniffed some seemingly simple picks, such as fennel pollen and kumquats, but they were stumped on more than a few. And in true Star Salvation fashion, the challenge didn't stop there. The finalists were also tasked with preparing a dish that brought together nearly all of the ingredients they smelled — a whopping five seemingly dissimilar items that had to be fused into a dish. While Erin and Monterey had the same idea of combining ginger and kumquats in a sauce, Yaku put herbs and spices to work for a salmon-based dish. Ultimately, though, after what mentor Alex Guarnaschelli deemed "neck and neck" showings, one hopeful was sent home from the competition for good this week.

Click the play button on the video above to see whose Salvation journey ended, and find out which two finalists advanced to next week's finale.

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Tune in to Food Network Star on Sunday at 9|8c.

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