Moscow's Prisoners Can Handle the Heat
A new culinary challenge has begun in Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service.
The best stove chefs, all inmates from across different prisons in Moscow, competed for the title of Master Chef. With a panel of judges to impress and not a minute to lose (they were given 45), the heat was on in Sizo No.4 prison, north Moscow. The winners received certificates, which can reportedly be used to their advantage when asking for release on parole.
Here's a look at the competition:
The best stove chefs, all inmates from across different prisons in Moscow, competed for the title of Master Chef. With a panel of judges to impress and not a minute to lose (they were given 45), the heat was on in Sizo No.4 prison, north Moscow. The winners received certificates, which can reportedly be used to their advantage when asking for release on parole.
Here's a look at the competition:

Let me show you how it's done.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency

Complete concentration was crucial to complete the challenge.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency

"Unfortunately that's as much as I can tell you about my secret family recipe, officer."
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency

Points were given or deducted for the use of gloves.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency

To keep it fair, the ingredients were announced to participants only at the last minute, much like many televised cooking contests.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency

Participants wait in anticipation as the judges try their fare.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency

The competition was judged not only for taste, but for presentation.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency

Nikolai Baskakov emerged the winner of this special edition of Master Chef.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency