Jacob Scott was able to put his skills back to the test on Food Networkâs Chopped Junior. This will be his second time to compete on the national stage via the network.
Scott, 13, was be among 12 kids who cooked for the chance to earn three spots as junior judges in the finale, where theyâll pass judgment on four senior Chopped judges.
The popular Food Network show featuring Scott first aired March 15. Scott made it to the final round of his competition, but fell to a Texas girl in the dessert round.
âI know exactly what to do to bring everything together and showcase the basket,â Jacob says of the dessert round, deciding to make biscuits incorporating the halloumi cheese and pecan pie. But when he goes to remove the biscuits, he sees theyâre overcooked, but he plates them with his barbecue sauce caramel and blackberry whipped cream.
Judge Chris Santos loves the caramel, but itâs the texture of the biscuit that judges Maneet Chauhan and Alex Guarnaschelli find tough.
Leslie Scott, Jacobâs mother and former Chopped Grill Master competitor, said she is extremely proud of Jacobâs continued success in the food competition circuit.
âHeâs brave,â she said. âChopped is one of the hardest things Iâve done in my life. I canât imagine doing it as a 13-year-old kid.â
Jacob said he is ready to compete again, and he has been practicing at home.
âAfter the first TV show I wanted to come home and cook more,â Jacob said. âIt inspired me to cook more.â
Jacob said he plans to use what he learned during his first Chopped competition to improve his skills in his latest challenge.
âIâll try to do what I learned and not get distracted,â he said. âThis time Iâm not going to get as stressed.â
The Scott family has also taken their passion for barbecue and cooking to Jacobâs school, Manchester Academy.
âJacob and I teach a class every other week to the Manchester Culinary Club,â Leslie said. âWeâve learned to make gumbo, Mac and Cheese, pasta carbonara and chicken Alfredo to name a few. Weâve done a tasting of food from Australia and served lunch to the MA football team. Itâs been one of the most fun things Iâve done this year.â
Jacob has traveled the country competing with his barbecue family, entering his first competition at only six years old. And when he is not competing, he is busy cooking meals at home.
Eventually, Jacob hopes to travel the world, discovering new cuisines, before settling down with a restaurant of his own.
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â Jamie Patterson, Yazoo Herald
Mississippiâs Jacob Scott returns to Food Network Jacob Scott was able to put his skills back to the test on Food Network's Chopped Junior.
