Barrie youngster is cooking up a storm on a new Food Network program

Cristian Dawson hopes his culinary skills will turn into the sweet smell of success.

The 11 year old Barrie boy is taking part in a competition on a new Food Network program called “Junior Chef Showdown.” Cristian is up against 13 other young talented kids who know a thing or two about culinary creations.

Cristian’s mom heard about the new program from a friend and he jumped at the chance to enter.

Getting a spot on the show was no easy task. There were several auditions, video and in-person. Cooking stuffed chicken breast, ribyeye and making sour dough bread opened up the door and got the ball rolling to where Cristian is now one of the contestants.

Cristian said he is nervous to watch the show but was not that nervous being on the program, aside from the fact his cooking was being judged by celebrity chefs.

His favourite food to cook is anything to do with meat.

The winner of the competition gets $25,000 and a vacation. Cristian couldn’t reveal how he did on the program. He did share what he would do with the prize money.

“Half would be for school and half would be for cooking stuff.”

Asked if he wanted to be a chef when he grew up, Cristian said “a bit.”

He has an Instagram account where he offers cooking tips to kids, noting it doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby.

“Once I just had egg noodles and cream of mushroom soup and I made dinner out of it.”

Cristian is also planning to have his own YouTube cooking channel. He is also exploring the opportunity to write a cookbook for children.

The Food Network airs “Junior Chef Showdown” Sunday at 9 p.m. This will be episode two.

Banner picture: Facebook