Henry Hummeldorf, otherwise known as, "Kid Chef Henry", will represent Katy, Texas on the popular cooking competition series, MasterChef Junior on March 2, 2018.
KATY MAGAZINE I MARCH 2018 By Ashley Lancaster & Lori Hummeldorf (Henry's mom)
Jenks Elementary fifth grader Henry Hummeldorf has dreamed of being a professional chef and owning his own restaurant since he was four years old. At 10 years old, he is well on his way to making that dream a reality with a website, his own brand of hot sauce, and now, a spot on the hit TV series, MasterChef Junior, Season 6 starring world-famous chef and TV personality, Gordon Ramsey. "I auditioned in person in New Orleans. They came to Houston but I was out of town on a family vacation so I had to travel to New Orleans for an open casting. I just showed up with my family. I think they chose me because I was being funny and making the people there laugh," says Henry.
Making the big time
In March, Henry will get the chance to bring the heat on FOX's hit competition series, MasterChef Junior. On the show, kids 8 - 13 who can stand the heat get to use their skills in the kitchen for a chance to win $100,000.
Twelve boys and 12 girls were selected to compete, and in the two-hour premier episode, Henry and the other young boys will be challenged with creating the perfect chicken breast dish, while the girls will have the task of perfecting a medium-rare filet mignon.
We wonder if Henry's delicious Pan Seared Chicken Breast will make an appearance? Each episode, two kids will be cut from the show until only one remains.
A little bit of a "hot head"
A lover of all things spicy, Henry has developed his own brand of hot sauce, appropriately named, "HotHead Henry." When he started, his goal was to eventually see his products on the shelves at local stores and restaurants. He began by hanging out at the Katy Grand Parkway Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings, selling his signature hot sauce, spice rub, and specialty cookies - all created and made by Henry himself.
In January, Henry's hot sauces landed on a special display shelf at the popular Whiskey Cake restaurant in Katy, and his website, hotheadhenry.com, includes recipes of his own creation, as well as products available for purchase.
"I love Tex- Mex. My go to dishes are Tex- Mex beef fajita taco with homemade chips and guacamole. And of course Tres Leches for dessert," says Henry. But he loves to branch out, too. Some of the dishes Henry has mastered include Korean pork wraps, a pumpkin spice hot chocolate, and cauliflower crust pizza for veggie lovers.
Henry at home The kid chef first learned to cook from his mom, and is helped by his mentor Scotty Wagner - but it was Emeril who first made him want to become a chef.
Outside of the kitchen, Henry is active in Cub Scouts, swimming, and relaxing and playing video games when he gets the chance. "My friends think it is super cool and can't believe I will actually be on TV. I think some of the teachers at my school are more excited than the kids. They ask me about it all the time!"