GMA NETWORK: Kiddie chefs stun adults in ‘Amazing Cooking Kids’

Far from being a chef: Twice married and with two kids of her own, Carmina Villaroel doesn’t claim cooking as part of her expertise.

“I leave cooking to those who can handle it best, which means the cook and the helpers at home,” the actress and TV host revealed during the introduction to the press of a dozen amateur cooks, children all, who are taking part in a reality TV show called “Amazing Cooking Kids.”

Starting April 16 on GMA, kids from 9 to 12 years old will prove that age, height or the size of a person’s hand matter little when it comes to showing off one’s cooking talent.

As its title suggests, “Amazing Cooking Kids” is a reality cooking competition for kids who aspire to be chefs in the future.

Versatile menu: In the auditions held in SM Hypermarket Sucat and SM Hypermarket Fairview last month, Carmina recalled that aspiring kiddie cooks impressed spectators and judges as they presented their signature dishes – from Filipino food like adobo and binagoongan to Mediterranean-style chicken and kebabs.

Those who qualified in the auditions then went through a cook-off where cooking ability, plating skill and personality were observed. From this showdown emerged the 12 best finalists to the competition.

Every week, finalists would perform cooking and skills challenges to be evaluated by a panel of chef judges.

The cooking gurus who will share their culinary expertise with the kids are: Chef Rosebud Benitez, famous for her 10-minute kitchen wonders in “Quickfire;” Chef Jackie Ang-Po, owner of Fleur De Lys Patisserie and former host of “True Confections” and “Delicioso;” and Chef GB Barlao, Vice President of Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA).

The Amazing (Dirty) Dozen taking part in the first ever reality cooking show for children are: Dingdong Lagman of Quezon City, Tasha Pulgado of Bulacan, Nica Fortuno of Batangas, Xymon Caballero of Caloocan City, Duday Reyes of Quezon City, Budik Villalobos of Cavite, Pat Reyes of Mandaluyong City, Ice Almalmani of Parañaque City, Tarah Santos of Muntinlupa City, Angela Rosales of Quezon City, Ronin Leviste of Makati City, and Pau Sablaya of Quezon City.

“Amazing Cooking Kids” airs every Saturday at 11:15 a.m. on GMA-7.