A Darien fifth grader is showing off her culinary talents on a national stage. Ivy Childs, 11, is among 16 kids competing on season eight of "MasterChef Junior" with a chance to win $100,000, a trophy, and the coveted title.

"Ever since I could really climb up on the counter, I was helping my mom cook," Ivy said.

Ivy still needs a boost. She uses a stool in the kitchen. But though small in stature, she's big in talent. Ivy was chosen for the show after she sent in a couple videos and then auditioned.

"The experience was really fun and challenging – and I got to meet a lot of nice and talented kids," she said.

This season of "MasterChef Junior" is hosted by celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey, Chef Aaron Sanchez, and talk show host Daphne Oz. It was shot three years ago but didn't begin airing until last week.

"The good thing is if I do anything embarrassing, I can just be like, 'Well, I was 8,'" Ivy joked.

Ivy can't reveal the competition's outcome, but she clearly knows her way around the kitchen. News 12 got to see the pint-sized chef in action Monday as she made meatballs.

"Cooking's really calming for me and it's also just really fun," she said. "You get to be creative."

And no matter what happens on the show, Ivy has already whipped up some future plans.

"I really want to have my own cookbook and open a restaurant called 'Breakfast at Ivy's' where I'd serve a variety of stuff because when I go out to a restaurant, I can't just choose one thing."

"MasterChef Junior" airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on FOX.