Cooking Masterclass Discussion For MasterChef Junior Season 2 Top 4: Something’s Fishy!

Picture Credit: Fox/MasterChef Junior

MEMO: For a complete recap of each episode, follow MasterChef Junior Season 2 contestant, Logan, on his wonderful blog. His talent and work ethic are truly inspiring.

Last week, we watched the Top 6 strut their culinary stuff in a professional kitchen created just for them, otherwise know as a Pop – Up Restaurant.

They were divided into two teams – led by the winners of last week’s challenge, Samuel and Abby.

Then they were whisked off to Malibu to meet their new restaurant challenge. They were so excited. The Pop – Up Restaurant was located outdoors and the Chefs Gordon, Graham and Joe gave cooking demonstrations of the required menu preparation.

The menu consisted of two appetizers: Tempura Zucchini Blossoms With Goat Cheese and Spot Prawn Ceviche and two entrees: Loup De Mer with Fennel Trio and Filet Mignon With Fries and Spring Mushrooms.

Abby, because of her age, was a worry for the judges in terms of her capability to lead her team. On the other hand, Samuel was made for this role. He is mature beyond his years.

Forty culinary experts were invited to sample the menu. No pressure there, right? Oh my! While watching these children, I was amazed at their professionalism and enthusiasm and their ability to work with child-LOKE grace under pressure.

However, they were clearly stressed over the task placed before them and, surprisingly, things started to fall apart over on the Blue Team comprised of Oona, Sean and Samuel.

On the Red Team, Graham gagged on little Logan’s dish – it was too salty. Logan knew he had to perfect the seasoning or else he was doomed for elimination.

Like last week, Gordon had another heart to heart with Logan and asked him to reconnect with him when he is not sure of his seasoning – or anything for that matter. It seemed to do the trick because things started to flow for him on his Team. It was a turning point for Logan.

Back over at the Blue Team, Oona was struggling with the Blossoms and, basically, not listening. She is such a little peanut – this must be incredibly overwhelming for her. Adaiah seemed to be holding steady. Good for her.

When it came time to serve the guests, the Blue Team lagged behind and Team Leader Samuel was beyond frustrated. The Red Team, on the other hand, were booting along.

And then Chef Ramsay had a meltdown. Yikes! He told all three members of the Blue Team – Oona, Sean and Samuel – to take their aprons off and go home. Holy! Graham – they are kids!

However, it was just a scare tactic and they were allowed to continue. After a pep talk from Chef Ramsay, Samuel felt he needed to prove to the judges that he could pull the team together and that he belonged in a professional kitchen.

The Blue Team ended up with a flawless finish with their outstanding entrée dishes. They were clearly basking in the glory while the Red Team struggled with their entrées.

The judges tasted test the culinary results from both teams. It seems that they clearly favored the Blue Team. However, the guests wrote down their preferences as well – Red or Blue – and based on these results plus overall performance, one team would advance to the semi-finals and two from the losing team would , unfortunately, go home.

And the winning team was…RED – comprised of Abby, Logan and Adaiah.

Now two members of the Blue Team members were faced with elimination.

The young home cook from the Blue Team who would advance was Samuel. No real surprise there. But he spoke highly of his eliminated team members – Oona and Sean. That demonstrated class and maturity. Bravo Samuel!

This week these cooking munchkins will be filleting and cooking fish. I believe it is salmon. Fish is tricky on so many levels – but, generally, you do not want to overcooked it or it will taste rubbery. You want it flaky and moist. Well, at least I do!!

Below, I have attached a trailer for this week’s show.

MasterChef Junior airs on Fox on Tuesday, December 9th at 8:00 PM. It really is a “must see TV” experience.

And, if you live in the USA, you can watch the entire Season 2 series on iTunes – and relive the magic of Season 1 via iTunes – .

Finally, if you love downloading books, I highly recommend MasterChef – The Contestants and Judges of MasterChef and My Italian Kitchen – Luca Manfé. As you recall, Luca won Season 4 through his unique approach to Italian cuisine. Bravo Luca!

MASTERCHEF JUNIOR is produced by Shine America and One Potato Two Potato, and is based on the format created by Franc Roddam and Shine. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format. Elisabeth Murdoch, Eden Gaha, Paul Franklin, Robin Ashbrook, Gordon Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Patricia Llewellyn and Ben Adler serve as executive producers. “Like” MASTERCHEF JUNIOR on Facebook at facebook.com/MasterChefJuniorFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @MasterChefJrFOX and join the discussion using #masterchefjunior. See photos and video on Instagram @masterchefjunior.