Darien Girl, 11, Competes On 'MasterChef Junior' Season 8

DARIEN, CT — Ivy Childs of Darien has been cooking ever since she was old enough to be in the kitchen, she said.

Now, she's one of 16 kids from throughout the country who will face off for a chance to win $100,000 and a trophy in season 8 of Fox's "MasterChef Junior."

"I've always wanted to be a chef, since I could climb up on the counter to help my mom," Ivy said in her MasterChef Junior profile.

Childs was 8 years old and in second grade when the show was filmed three years ago, The Darien Times reported. Now, she's 11 years old and in fifth grade, and beginning Thursday night viewers can finally root for her: The show's season premiere is on March 17 at 8 p.m. on Fox.

MasterChef Junior gives children between the ages of 8 and 13 the chance to "showcase their culinary abilities and passion for food through a series of delicious challenges," according to the show's website.

It's hosted by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey, chef Aarón Sánchez and nutrition expert and author Daphne Oz.

"This season, the pint-sized contestants will cook a meal for diners at a historical renaissance fair; see how they size up to monster trucks at a motocross track; welcome Gordon's daughter, Tilly Ramsay, back to the MASTERCHEF kitchen for a donut challenge; and participate in a WWE-themed episode until one talented kid is named America’s newest MASTERCHEF JUNIOR," the website reads.

And Childs isn't done cooking after her stint on MasterChef Junior is up: She hopes to one day open a restaurant called Breakfast at Ivy's, she told Fox 61.