‘MasterChef Junior’ season 9 episode 10 recap: Who was crowned the winner in the ‘Finale Part 2’? [LIVE BLOG]
Tonight on “MasterChef Junior,” the three pint-sized finalists are one step away from winning the competition as they complete their main courses and whip up a stunning dessert. With a trophy, $100,000 grand prize and the title of MasterChef Junior champion on the line, the chefs have one final hour to showcase their culinary abilities and impress the judges in part two of the all-new “Finale Part 2” season finale episode of “MasterChef Junior” airing Monday, May 20 (8:00-9:02 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Below, read our minute-by-minute “MasterChef Junior” recap of Season 9, Episode 10. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite young cooks on Fox’s reality TV show and who you think deserved to win the entire competition. Once again, Gordon Ramsay leads the judging panel and is joined by renowned chef Aarón Sánchez, Emmy-winning talk show host Daphne Oz and, for the first time, his daughter Tilly Ramsay.
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8:00 p.m. — Previously on “MasterChef Junior”! Bryson, Michael and Remy were tasked with creating an appetizer using the popular – and feared – flambé technique. Then, the chefs created an exquisite main course dish as they get one step closer to being crowned the next MasterChef Junior. Let’s see what the judges thought of those main courses!
8:07 p.m. — The clock ticks down on this second round and the pint-sized chefs plate their main courses. First at the judge’s table is Michael with his Pan-Seared Halibut with Sautéed Purple Kale, Ginger-Glazed Carrots and Spicy Herb Sauce. It’s an elegant dish with beautiful colors. Gordon says Michael took a major risk with the halibut, because it’s not an easy fish to cook. Thankfully, it’s cooked beautifully. Gordon’s carrots are undercooked and the herb sauce is a little too acidic. Tilly loved the ginger on the carrots, but they are a bit crunchy. Aarón likes the lightness of the sauce. Daphne thinks the dish was “stunningly beautiful” and it paid off in flavor.
8:10 p.m. — The next dish they’ll taste is Bryson’s Wagyu Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction, Squash Puree and Confit Turnips. Gordon says it looks simple, but it all comes down to the cook. Gordon cuts into the filet and says it’s absolute perfection. It needs a touch more seasoning, but Gordon says the risk paid off on the steak. Tilly says the purees are the perfect consistency and she really enjoyed it. Aarón says the magic of the dish is that he didn’t scorch the outside of the filet. Daphne calls Bryson the “Meat King.”
8:14 p.m. — Remy is next with her Shrimp & Grits with Collard Greens and Roasted Vegetable Sauce. Aarón says you don’t traditionally puree the celery, pepper and onion mixture, but it rendered a beautiful, vibrant sauce. Gordon says the dish phenomenal. The cook on the shrimp is the best part and the depth of flavor is extraordinary. Tilly says she’s elevated a basic dish and “it’s just so tasty.” Daphne says this is a testament to how far Remy has come in this competition and “it’s a perfect plate.” Aarón says a little cumin in the sauce would have helped, but everything else is “spot on.” In a private discussion amongst themselves, Tilly says, “Remy won the entree round.” Aarón disagrees and says he gives the edge to Michael. Bryson’s filet was perfect as well, so it will all come down to the dessert round.
8:30 p.m. — Gordon tells the finalists they have 60 minutes to make their desserts. All three make a mad dash to the pantry to pull together their ingredients. Bryson isn’t confident he did well enough in the first two rounds to win, so he’s going way “over the top” for this dessert, hoping for a high risk, high reward win. Michael is taking a risk by making cake, which takes at least 22 minutes to cook in the oven. He’s also making hand-made ice cream. Aarón wonders if Remy’s brownie is too safe and asks, “How do you elevate that?” With 20 minutes left, Michael begins pouring liquid nitrogen into his ice cream base, giving the live audience a thrill. Remy looks out at the audience and says, “I see you guys droolin’ over here!” Bryson’s peanut butter mousse all depends on timing and if it has enough time to set properly. With less than 15 minutes to go, Michael’s cakes aren’t out of the oven. The judges worry he bit off more than he could chew.
8:35 p.m. — Michael checks on his cake and they’re still nearly raw with 12 minutes to go. He can’t help but panic and tears well up in his eyes. Daphne heads over to console him and reminds the young chef that he’s done incredible work in this kitchen and he needs to just breathe and keep it orderly. Meanwhile, Bryson’s ganache is a little thin. Back over at Michael’s station, the cakes come out with seven minutes left and he’s relieved to see they’re fully baked. Now he just has to plate everything in time. Bryson pulls out the gold leaves to top his cakes with and Daphne asks, “Who is this guy?” Meanwhile, in the final seconds, Remy has a near disaster when her brownie breaks, but she seals it up with some chocolate and gets it on the plate. It’s time for the final judgement!
8:40 p.m. — The judges taste Remy’s Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie with Hazelnut Brittle, Chocolate Mousse and Raspberry Coulis. Gordon says it looks elegant. Aarón loves the pairing of raspberry and chocolate, along with the rustic element of the brittle. Gordon thinks it tastes delicious. Tilly says the cook was perfect. Daphne praises the texture combination, but the mousse was a miss.
8:42 p.m. — Next is Bryson’s Peanut Butter Mousse Crunch Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Peanut Brittle. Daphne is blown away by his delicate plating work. Gordon says it looks divine. The cake is delicious and the ganache is “super rich.” The layers aren’t quite even, but apart from that it’s a job well-done. Tilly says Bryson pulled off some risky moves. Daphne says it melts in her mouth and looks beautiful. Aarón says it tastes fantastic and Bryson brought bling to the dessert round.
8:45 p.m. — Last up is Michael’s Orange & Olive Oil Pound Cake with Citrus Sauce and Creme Fraiche Ice Cream. Tilly is impressed with the risk he took. Daphne comments that each cake is each a different size, caused by the trouble he had cooking them evenly. Gordon says the cakes are a little dry, but the ice cream is delicious. Gordon can’t believe how many risks Michael takes. Tilly says the flavor of the cake is delicious. Daphne agrees and says Michael “fought to the bitter end.” Aarón calls the dessert rich and savory.
9:02 p.m. — The judges take some time to comb over every round and every detail of this competition. Then, it’s finally time to name a champion. The winner of “MasterChef Junior” Season 9 is Bryson! He bursts into tears of happiness before screaming out, “I’m the next ‘MasterChef Junior’ champion!”