Being a foodie myself, I soon set aside my disappointment at Star World’s failure to continue with the telecast of Supernatural (I miss the Winchesters, don’t you?) and settled down to watch a bunch of kids find their way among the pots and pans in the MasterChef Kitchen. I was expecting some kiddie dishes made by kids, heavily assisted by the Master Chefs. Needless to say, I am the one left eating humble pie by the end of the episode.
Kids – Never underestimate their ability to master an art beyond their age especially when they have the right attitude, aptitude, and interest in the art. Cooking is an art and to see 9-13 year olds literally carve a niche for themselves among stalwarts in cooking is a treat to watch. Junior MasterChef Australia’s fifth episode had the twelve uber-talented kids enthusiastically face the team challenge that involved cooking for a high school tuck shop catering to 100 students of Hunters Hill High School.
They were divided into two teams – Red team led by the calm and confidant Pierre who picked Anthony as the team leader of the Blue team. The teams were ably guided by MasterChefs Gary (red) and Anna 
(Blue). The teams were asked to prepare 1 cold dish, 1 hot dish, and 1 sweet dish in three hours. Pierre and Anthony proved to be capable leaders, guiding and helping their team members with composure well beyond their years. Blue team rolled out Honey Soy Chicken Wings with noodle salad, Nori Rolls with Hoisin Chicken, Tuna, and Avocado, and Custard Tarts with Berries with great aplomb and the high school students wiped them off the counters in no time and voting them winners of this challenge. Red team led by Pierre whipped up an impressive line up - Cheese and Bacon Quiches, Spinach and Cheese Triangles, Meatball Rolls with Tzatziki, 
and Chocolate Brownies with Raspberry Coulis and Chocolate Cream – that fell a tad short with 37 votes to Blue teams 63 sending the Red team to the pressure test.
Back in the MasterChef Kitchen for the pressure test, the red team had to rustle up a poached pear with Cranberry syrup, Vanilla Mascarpone and Tuile within an hour. While most struggled with the pear and tuile, Nick managed to present his best interpretation and earn six points.
Need I say, I dragged my 12 year old son, who is a diehard fan of supernatural sulking away at being unable to watch season 6, to watch the kids, adorable ones at that, don an apron, wield a knife, and master the kitchen with an ease that belied their age. Catch the episodes every weeknight at 9 only on Star World India.
Neeraja Unni
Rangmunch.tv
