MasterChef Junior Season 8 premiere: Ready to get cooking?

The kitchen is open and let the games begin. MasterChef Junior Season 8 premiere is here and a new group young cooks are ready to learn from the best. Which young cook will show their talent beyond their years?

According to FOX, the MasterChef Junior Season 8 premiere, “Junior Edition: Punch and Munch,” features the following:

"It’s slimy, it’s icky, it’s stinky. Sixteen pint-sized chefs from all around the country earn their white aprons and are tasked with their first challenge, a secret item they must use as the star of their dish to cook their way into victory. In only 60 minutes, the cooks must impress the three judges – Chef Gordon Ramsay, Chef Aarón Sánchez and, new to this season, New York Times best-selling cookbook author Daphne Oz, in the all-new “Junior Edition: Punch and Munch” season premiere episode of MASTERCHEF airing Thursday, March 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX."

While foodies have a wide array of food television options, MasterChef Junior has become family friendly fare. It can spark a conversation about food choices, being a little food adventurous and maybe can even get some families in the kitchen.

Although much has been said about the kinder, gentler Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen, this whole competition is about nurturing a love of food and cooking that can last a lifetime.

Joining Gordon and Aaron Sanchez is Daphne Oz. The Emmy winning host and best-selling cookbook author is a great addition to the food television program. As a mom, she appreciates how to push the kids yet never make the situation too overwhelming. She is like the burst of sunshine to the new season.

With this first episode, everyone is getting to know each other. Although big mistakes can never be tolerated, these young cooks will grow. Appreciating the timing and not getting overwhelmed will be key to success. All these kids have the talent and knowledge. Now it is time to put it on the plate.

The MasterChef Junior Season 8 premiere airs on FOX Thursday at 8 p.m and additional new episodes will air every week.