'Master Chef' Sneaks In Paula Deen Appearance, Has Kids Choose Mystery Box Ingredients 

Click here: '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.

Paula Deen: How's She's Moving On/Operation Confidence

Paula Deen: How's She's Moving On/Operation Confidence 

Click here: Paula Deen: How's She's Moving On - Scandals & Feuds, Celebrity Scandals, Paula Deen : People.com

Just one day after a federal judge dismissed the racial discrimination case against Paula Deen, the shamed southern chef stepped out with her Aunt Peggy Ort and a friend at one of her favorite Savannah, Ga. eateries for lunch.

While digging into fried chicken, a baked sweet potato and veggies, "she was her usual friendly self," says Sweet Potatoes Kitchen owner Steve Magulias. "She was glad to have the racial part of the case dismissed and that part behind her."

Since it was revealed that in a deposition made public in June that Deen, 66, used a racial slur, the TV chef – who lost her contract with Food Network among other business partners – has led a quiet life at home in Savannah.

"She's doing okay," a producer friend recently told PEOPLE. "She's a fighter and she's got a family who supports her."

In fact her son Jamie, 46, will soon have his mom pop by for an episode of his Food Network show Home For Dinner.

"Just got word #HomeforDinner with mom is being aired in September. I'll keep y'all posted. But, you know, watch it anyway!" Jamie posted on Twitter.

PHOTOS: Paula Deen: From the Kitchen to the Courtroom in 5 Clicks

A source close to the situation confirms, "Paula is in some of the episodes but they were all filmed before her contract wasn't renewed."

Whether or not Deen will make a full-time comeback to TV remains unclear, but her goals do not. Says Magulias: "She's just going to keep doing what she's been doing: serving people and helping in the community." 

Operation Confidence wishces Ms. Deen the best of luck