Meet the 10-year-old Cary native competing on ‘MasterChef Junior’ this weekend

He thought his third-grade math test was hard, but turns out that cooking under pressure is much more stressful.

Meet Emerson Pauley, the 10-year-old Cary kid who won a spot on “MasterChef Junior: Home for the Holidays.”

The show is a spin-off of the competitive cooking show and starting Sunday, “MasterChef Junior” will feature an all-new two-night event where renowned Chef Gordon Ramsey welcomes nine culinary kids to cook some holiday favorites. The foods will be themed for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year and other holidays.

The ultimate prize? $25,000, a Viking Kitchen package and a custom MASTERCHEF snow globe trophy. Ramsey and his daughter, Tilly, will crown the winner along with Chef Aarón Sánchez and TV host Daphne Oz.

The News & Observer caught up with Emerson to get to know him and his love for cooking.

What excited you most about being on ‘MasterChef Junior’?

I was most excited about meeting and cooking for Gordon Ramsay, who is one of the best chefs in the world! Being in the kitchen with him was a dream come true.

What is your favorite dish to cook?

I love to cook a lot of things, but my favorite thing to cook is breakfast! I love coming up with different egg dishes, such as breakfast pizzas, fancy omelets, and avocado toast with fried eggs.

Did you learn to make new dishes on the show?

I had never made a savory pie before — that was new! And I learned how to make a vinaigrette to serve on roasted baby carrots.

What do you love most about cooking?

Well, I love to eat and I love to cook what I eat. I also like to feed my family and friends. My mom, dad, and my grandparents love to cook. Cooking has always been a special family activity and one way we show our love.

When you’re not cooking, what do you like to do?

I am also a regular fourth-grader — I love to ride my bike, play Pokemon Go, and I’m a Cub Scout and baseball fanatic. I love to play and go to the Durham Bulls games. I also do karate and play flag football!

How to watch the show

“MasterChef Junior: Home for the Holidays” premieres on FOX on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.

You can also watch the show on Hulu the day after it airs.

How can I follow Emerson?

When Emerson isn’t cooking a delicious meal, he goes on adventures around the Triangle and does stand-up comedy. You can follow his journey on YouTube @dailyemerson and on Instagram @EmersonPauley.