jeremy said she'd be my sous chef one day

i took yesterday off. from blogging, i mean. the weekend was long and straining, but in the end, the festival was awesome and i'm so proud of the entire event.

last night, however, was catch up for Ro & my new favorite tv show: Master Chef JUNIOR.

at first i was all WHAT THE WHAT?! because sharp knives and hot stoves and ovens and small kids shouldn't mix, but 8 -13 year olds with experience and impressive palates AND skills have been truly entertaining and promising as far as the future of culinary arts goes (no foam yet, thank g-d!)

i didn't think she'd get this into it. But she has had the same three favorites from the first episode: Dara, Sara, and Alexander.

I'm kind of amused by who she has chosen to cheer for...

Sara is the youngest of the contenders now. She's a saucy little blonde kid who has a great skill set and has clearly won over Gordon Ramsay with her cuteness.

Dara made an amazing chocolate cake last night, has been paired with Sara on a challenge, and also has a lot of talent. Sadly, I think Ro likes her because she wears a big hello kitty-esque bow. like, all the time. it's her thing.

Lastly, there's Alexander. He's 13. Eldest of the competitors. Blows all the judges out of the water consistently. Reminds me of Pugsley Addams (that's a compliment, really!) and is probably the favorite to win based on his serious technique and palate. This kid is light years ahead of himself. Most impressive. Rosemary has admitted that she only likes him because his first name is her last name. HA.

Its been fun to watch, and talk about the ingredients and methods and outcome with her. She cheers, she watches the clock, she asks me if i could make some of that stuff. i don't know if she wants to eat it, but she has asked if i can teach her how to do some of it - icing a layer cake, baking souffle, rolling pasta, flipping a saute pan without it's contents spilling all over.

it makes me feel really good that she's taken an interest in real cooking and creative food again. I don't watch Top Chef, or anything much on Food Network (i watched some of my vendors on Chopped, and i love Original Iron Chef), but i am a total sucker for Gordon Ramsay. Maybe it's the accent, or the yelling... but he isn't yelling much on this incarnation. He's been constructive and patient and very much the mentor that you would want to have nurturing these diminutive chefs with aggressive and adventurous passion for the kitchen. 

one kid walks away from the experience with a load of scholarship money and fancy trophy. but really, these kids are all winners. they are getting a chance to see if this is what they want to pursue, if their hobby is something they want to build a career out of, make friends with similar interests who may become lifelong buddies, and maybe, just maybe, absorb some wisdom from the guys who are the faces of the show, and who judge their dishes each episode. getting to be a part of this is a reward.

i'm just thrilled that my crumbsnatcher is enjoying watching it, asking questions, and is suddenly eager to emulate the "cool kids" on the show.  

not going to say who i'm cheering for...but here's a hint: it's not a boy.