Emmy-winning talk show host, Daphne Oz, is making waves on the judging panel for Season 9 of “MasterChef Junior.”
As she joins chefs Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and, for the first time ever, Gordon’s daughter Tilly Ramsay, Daphne shares insights into her favorite moments from the show, her family’s culinary history, and the unique dynamics of having Dr. Mehmet Oz as her father.
Daphne Oz Dishes On Masterchef Junior Season 9
As Season 9 of MasterChef Junior unfolds, Daphne Oz returns to the judging panel, alongside culinary icons Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and for the first time ever, Gordon’s daughter Tilly Ramsay. In an exclusive interview, Daphne dishes on her favorite moments from the show, her family’s culinary legacy, and the unique dynamic with her co-judges.
“It is one of the best shows to watch if you love food and you love competition,” Daphne declares. “I love watching MasterChef Junior with my kids because I think that they get very inspired, frankly, by other kids, their age, who are fearless in the kitchen, who are cooking with crazy ingredients.
It makes the idea of them getting in the kitchen and making their own snack or helping me make dinner that much more enticing.”
Daphne emphasizes the importance of diversity in casting and how technology has facilitated a more inclusive process. “People don’t realize how much the casting process for MasterChef Junior has been elevated by being able to do interviews like we’re doing here on Zoom.
It means that kids from all over the country are able to apply. Some of the kids on this show have never left home before! To think about the idea that the first time they’re getting on a plane, leaving home, is to be on national television is so incredible. You’re getting a much wider swath of America on display.”
Daphne Oz Courageous Kids to Be Fearless in the Kitchen
Growing up in a household where her father, Dr. Oz, and other family members are surgeons, Daphne provides a glimpse into the unique blend of medical expertise and nutritional awareness. “We have this really powerful presence of Western medicine throughout my family.
Then my mom and my grandma are really into nutrition and complimentary medicine, so we had this overlay of what you could be doing on a daily basis to take good care of yourself.”
Daphne shares a fun fact about her father’s taste preferences. “He will totally go down on beautiful ribs,” she admits. “Things that are a moment that are really worth indulging in, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad reach into a bag of chips and eat chips just because they’re there.”
In conclusion, Daphne Oz encourages young chefs to embrace fearlessness in the kitchen, fostering a love for cooking and creativity.