Kids Baking Championship

The other night I was flipping through the channels, and there was nothing on TV, Surprise surprise. Eventually I stumbled across the food network channel. The show playing was called the Kids baking championship. This show features young culinarians competing for their shot at $10,000 as well as a new kitchen, and an excerpt in food network magazine. The show is hosted by Duff Goldman the Ace of Cakes TV star as well as Valerie Bertinelli. The competition starts out with eight young bakers, and it proceeds from there.

These young kids possess passion, drive, ambition, creativity, intuition, refined palates ( for their age) and so many other commendable attributes. Including technique, passion, and poise. After watching one of the episodes I had to check to see if the rest of them were on On Demand so I could catch up. The way these children carry themselves at such a young age is unbelievable. I wish some of the young chefs in my generation had this much drive! The hosts on the show are so inspiring. They critique the chefs and advise them while making the kids feel good about themselves and their product.

Even though it is a competition the competitors still work together. On one of the episodes Jackson burnt his hand in the middle of the competition and he was lagging behind. Natalie finished her dish early, and then offered her services to make sure Jackson was able to finish just like everyone else. She showed amazing sportsmanship, and took the initiative to help others. Teamwork is one of the most important things about working in a kitchen. You don’t have to like everyone you work with, but you do have one common goal; to have your guests leave happy and satisfied, so they will come back again and again.

It’s great to hear the laughter in the kitchen, and the energy behind these young chefs. I know from experience that some of the older chefs do not like to hear laugher and excessive chatter in the kitchen, but my philosophy is that as long as you are getting your work done properly and efficiently what’s wrong with a little laughter?

One of the quotes that stuck with me from the show is that “ when you watch food network it looks easy, but when you experience it you realize that it is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life”  well spoken words from Anthony Smith who was eliminated earlier in the show.  His quote resonated with me because I have seen so many students come into culinary school with no background at all besides opening up a Betty Crocker box, tossing in some eggs into the mix and then throwing them in in the oven which would be fine because everyone has to start somewhere! But when you ask them why they want to become chefs I often hear explanations like “I love watching the Food Network”, I want to have my own cooking show, I want to work for the cake boss… Ect. It’s great to have goals, dreams and aspirations, but you have to have the drive, ambition, and determination to back them up. Needless to say these kids have a bright future ahead of them! The Finale airs on The Food Network Channel on Monday February 23^rd at 8:00pm EST.