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The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, February 23, 2018 10 By Andrew Warren TV Media K ids aren't generally known for their refined palates or willingness to explore their culinary op- tions. Sure, there are excep- tions out there, but the little ones I know all love their fish-shaped crackers, hot- dogs and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — with the crust cut off of the bread, of course. Those exceptions, though, can really be something else, especially when they com- bine those refined tastes with the kitchen skills to back them up, as every sea- son of "MasterChef Junior" reminds us. A new season of the culinary competition pre- mieres Friday, March 2, on Fox, with a fresh batch of ex- ceptional youngsters eager to test their skills and their taste buds to the panel of three judges. That's right — three judg- es. Longtime fans of the show might remember that last season featured only two permanent members on the judging panel: chefs Gor- don Ramsay (who's been with the series since its in- ception) and Christina Tosi (who joined in season 4). A rotating slate of guests rounded out the judging trio, but this season features a re- turn to three permanent judges — and the third one has a familiar face. Joe Basti- anich, who served alongside Ramsay in "MasterChef Ju- nior's" first three seasons, stages a return to the front of the kitchen for this year's competition. Far more than in its parent show "MasterChef," "Junior" features all three judges ton- ing down the toughness and cranking up the affection for the chefs-in-training compet- ing for a big cash prize. Culi- nary mistakes are met with helpful advice, and even Ram- say's infamous temper is somehow kept in check; he can even come across as a softie, if you can believe it! The result is one of the most pleasant cooking com- petitions on television. Watching a kid sear a fillet or bake a soufflé with far more talent, skill and competence than most adult home cooks could ever pull off is a joy, and the series has left by the wayside the bickering and scheming that's all too com- mon in reality series starring adults. 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