This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Jack Pollock of Draper will be one of four little chefs with big skills competing on the Tuesday, July 26, episode of "Chopped Junior." The Food Network competition showcases the talents of young cooks between the ages of 9 and 15.

Jack, who will turn 13 this week and is entering the seventh grade at Draper Park Middle School, has enjoyed cooking since he was young, said his mother, Amy Pollock. He has taken cooking classes at the Salt Lake Culinary Center and — to hone his kitchen skills in preparation for his national television debut — received private lessons from one the center's instructors, Sara Shakula.

Just as in the adult competition, "Chopped Junior" chefs are given a mystery basket of ingredients and asked to create a winning dish with the time clock ticking. After each round someone is cut from the competition, and the last chef standing receives the $10,000 prize.

For Jack and his competitors, sloppy joes were a mandatory ingredient in the appetizer round. Red pesto and white turnips keep things interesting in the entrée round, and a bacon apple pie is in the dessert basket. Judges for the episode include food blogger Siri Daly, actress Cheryl Hines and chef Geoffrey Zakarian.