MasterChef Junior episode preview: Communication chaos under the big top
In this week’s MasterChef Junior episode preview, these young home cooks learn a valuable lesson. Strong, effective communication is key to cooking success.
After two exciting first episodes, this MasterChef Junior episode preview might start as fun and games but quickly becomes a pressure cooker. While the circus might seem like a big top of fun, these young home cooks need to find a way to handle the pressure. Will the teams listen to their leader?
MasterChef Junior often finds ways of blending key cooking skills with fun and games. This week’s episode is a prime example of showing the importance of teamwork in a kitchen. Instead of Gordon Ramsay being drenched in banana split toppings, the MasterChef Junior group heads to the circus. Will the kitchen be filled with a three ring chaos or will someone become the ultimate ring master?
According to FOX, the episode synopsis states:
"In the season’s first big team challenge, the top 20 junior home cooks test their leadership and communication skills in a bold carnival-themed competition. As two teams of nine fuel 51 Circus Vargas performers with a delicious lunch, one team prepares seared salmon and the other grills NY strip steak. With at least two contestants on the chopping block, the home cooks must rise to the occasion in a birthday cake pressure challenge to prove their rightful spot in the all-new “Junior Edition: Under the Big Top” episode of MASTERCHEF."
Looking at the two lunch items for this challenge, the young home cooks have a difficult task ahead of them. Cooking salmon can be daunting. Under-cooked salmon is a definite cooking error. Also, over-cooked salmon is a nightmare. Finding the right balance will be key.
For the other team, the NY strip steak could be a little more forgiving. Hopefully, all steaks will be cooked to a single temperature. Can these young cooks know a steak’s temperature by touch/feel?
Additionally, this episode features the first team challenge. As a team, the most way to gauge a team’s success is communication. As seen in this exclusive clip from FOX, poor communication can make the kitchen seem like a circus.
A couple of items are key in this exclusive video clip. One, it is clear that no one is listening to Evie. As a leader she needs to demand authority from her team. Asking nicely, in a timid voice, isn’t going to get the job done.
Granted, it is hard for a young cook to jump into a leadership role right away. Still, the leader needs to whip that kitchen into shape. A team cannot cook well without working together.
It will be interesting to see if there was a pre-cook team meeting. Maybe if Evie had set up a strong plan, the team would be more present and listening to her commentary. Just trying to get people to listen mid-cook probably won’t work well.
Additionally, a pre-cook meeting would have been a better choice than pulling people away from the line during a challenge. Walking away from the station causes a disruption. The team needs to find its grove, push forward and serve a delicious lunch.
Also, it is a little concerning that Evie starts to cry during the meeting. Yes, there is a lot of pressure on these young home cooks. Unfortunately, crying is never a good choice. A leader needs to be strong, even when there is an immense amount of stress.
Will this MasterChef Junior episode be filled with fun and games or will the Big Top become a chaotic kitchen circus? Here’s how to watch.
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2018
Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Episode: “Under the Big Top”
TV Channel: FOX
Live Stream: Watch live on Fubo TV. Sign up now for a free seven-day trial. You can also watch on FOX’s website or app.
MasterChef Junior airs on FOX on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET.