Another welcome helping of ‘MasterChef Junior’ starts Tuesday

The undisputedly cutest cooking competition on TV returns for a second season with “MasterChef Junior” at 7 p.m. Tuesday on WFLD-Channel 32.

Sixteen kitchen-oriented kids between the ages of 8 and 13 whip up elaborate dishes well beyond the skill set of most adults.

Chicago chef Graham Elliot and a kinder, gentler Gordon Ramsay are among a trio of judges deciding which culinary prodigies go home each week and which get to continue their quest for the $100,000 prize — a bounty one young contestant says she’d use to donate to charity … and buy a horse.

I’ll admit I have mixed feelings about putting children in these kinds of high-stress situations for a TV show, especially when sharp knives and open flames are involved. Seems like it’s only a matter of time before someone cuts off a finger or ends up wearing a hot pot of oil.

So far, the only injuries I’ve seen have been emotional, in the form of a few uncomfortable bouts of crying. The refreshing way fellow contestants and judges rally around a young contender having a meltdown ultimately make this an inspirational series that’s more sweet than bitter.

Rating: [s3r star=3/4]

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