MasterChef Junior interview: Pierce Cleaveland talks show experience

Pierce Cleaveland

While you await the latest episode of MasterChef Junior airing on Fox Friday night, why not share some thoughts with one of the recently-eliminated young home cooks? Pierce Cleaveland was one of the two contestants sent home on this past episode following the risotto challenge — despite being only ten years old at the time of the competition, he made it all the way to the top 14 and got to experience a lot of what this crazy cooking competition had to offer.

Below, take a look at what Pierce had to say in regards to being on the show this season, what he enjoyed making the most, and also whether or not perception ended up being reality when it comes to the judges.

CarterMatt – What made you want to be a part of MasterChef Junior this season? 

Pierce – I heard about it on the Internet. I love watching cooking shows and I wanted to be on TV. I thought I could do that because I cook a lot with my Dad.  And I love creating dishes at home.   My mom wasn’t sure at first but then we decided to try out.  I think she kinda doubted I would make it but you never know.

What was your favorite dish that you made?

Panna Cotta because I was in the top three. Plus my cooking style is fancy, the recipe is not too hard and it tastes great!  I am so proud to be in Family Circle this month.

Were the judges at all what you expected them to be? 

Kinda, I thought Gordon would be tough and he was.  Christina was nice even nicer than I thought.  I wasn’t sure about Joe–he is funny.  I liked that but he could be tough too.

What was the hardest part of doing the breakfast challenge at the hotel?

I thought the burner on my stove was too hot when I was cooking the pancakes. I kept  telling my teammates that I wanted to turn it down.  I do know how to cook pancakes, it was one of my first dishes I cooked with my Dad.  Those challenges put you under pressure.

What did you learn from being on the season more so than anything else?

Like I always say, it is about having fun, meeting new people and trying your best.  I loved all my friends I met.  The competition didn’t bother me.  I did learn a lot of new cooking techniques especially from Gordon.

What do you want to do in food now that your time is season is over?  

Hmm, I have so many interests. I like being with people when cooking and showing people how I cook.   Sometimes I think I want to host a TV show (being on TV is fun and I love acting).  I love eating out and I eat out a lot at nice restaurants, so maybe a food critic.  I am still figuring it out.

Related Check out some more recent contestant interviews!

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