SALT LAKE CITY — When Merrill Oaks was just 5 years old, he watched “Ratatouille.” That sparked his interest in cooking. After seeing the film, he made an omelet. From then on, he was hooked.
Fast forward seven years, and he found himself at the Steak Cookoff Association World Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, where he won first place. “I was super surprised,” Merrill admitted. “I had only practiced a few times but tried my best.”
His cooking journey kicked off at the Utah State Fair, where he won a youth pork chop cook-off, qualifying him for the international competition. Despite feeling out of place among seasoned competitors, Merrill soon realized he was competing against kids from across the nation, not just barbecue experts.
When the announcement came, “You won first place,” he couldn’t believe it. In his age category, competitors are on their own once cooking starts. Fortunately, judges at the Utah State Fair guided him to prepare the perfect ribeye.
Merrill’s father, Sterling, praised the judges for recognizing his son’s talent. Now, Merrill is gearing up for the World Food Championships in Indianapolis, often referred to as the “Super Bowl” of food competitions. He’s excited about the chance to meet famous chefs like Bobby Flay.
Living with Type 1 diabetes and having family members with Celiac disease, Merrill creatively adapts recipes. His culinary skills have impressed his parents, who say he experiments boldly with flavors.
His mom, Amanda, noted the kitchen can get chaotic. “Sometimes I have to say, ‘No, Merrill, you can’t cook until your homework is done,’” she joked.
Italian food is Merrill’s favorite to prepare. He even runs a small gelato business in the neighborhood. Last year, he led a cooking class for kids, teaching them everything from bruschetta to homemade pasta. This year, he plans a French-themed class featuring dishes like chicken cordon bleu and crème brûlée.
Merrill’s talent and creativity remind us why cooking can turn into a lifelong passion—starting from a simple movie and an omelet. As he continues to pursue his culinary dreams, he inspires young chefs everywhere to explore the kitchen.
If you’re interested in culinary competitions or cooking tips, check out the Steak Cookoff Association for more inspiration!
Source link
news,traffic,weather,sports,classifieds,cars,jobs,homes,television,radio,salt lake,utah,local,Food,Sports,Health,Entertainment
