For me, this final episode brought us one of the simplest, best, most defining moments of the entire season: The scene when our three finalists first approached their ingredients at 11,200 feet, on top of Aspen Mountain. What did all three of them immediately do? They looked, they squeezed, and then they gnawed right into every vegetable that piqued their interest to see how it tasted. That, as much as anything else you'll ever see on this show, is what it means to be a good cook. Everything starts with great ingredients -- the dish, the menu, the music, whatever, all should be inspired by what is tasting great NOW. (In other words, this is no time to be cooking a spring vegetable like asparagus; git yourself some zucchini, friends!) All three of our finalists are artists. It has been a privilege to taste their food, and a serious responsibility to present my opinions about it. I have the deepest respect for all chefs, and, particularly, for these chefs. Their strength under incredibly difficult circumstances is inspiring. Folks, you have no idea how hard this competition is. I don't even really know. And so, at last, we are finished. Mister Hung: Congratulations! For more Ted Allen, check out his iVillage interview here.