Latina Junior Master Chef Nayeli Mendoza

By Elon Graves

MasterChef Junior’s seventh season is underway with four cooks from San Antonio. Among those competing for the winning title is Nayeli Mendoza.

Nayeli Mendoza started cooking with both her mom and grandmother at 4 years old. She learned how to make mostly Mexican foods including tamales and empanadas. While Mendoza loves making Mexican food, her real passion lies in baking.

The 9-year-old girl from San Antonio owns a baking company, Nay-Loves-Bakery, with her mother. Her favorite dessert to bake is cupcakes. She has three essential flavors that she makes; Confetti, Chocolate Truffle, and Strawberry cheesecake are always a hit.

Strawberry Cheesecake is her #1 Bestseller.

She enjoys baking for her friends and family. “It’s really amazing because you get to have fun baking and learn new things,” Mendoza said.

While on Master Chef Junior she had the support of her family. When she got nervous, she would say a prayer that helped her to relive her worries. Her mom also encourages her to “remain positive and just believe.”

Besides her supportive family, Christina Tosi, a judge on the show, is an inspiration to Mendoza. Mendoza likes to watch Tosi’s videos on YouTube. From being on the show, Mendoza had the opportunity to work with Christiana Tosi’s Milk Bar, a dessert Empire.

“Tosi inspires me,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza wants other girls her age to know they can also follow their dreams.

“I would tell them to always be positive, and that one day you will make it on the show,” Mendoza said.

When Mendoza was asked, “If you had to eat any food/dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?” she answered confidently with “Cupcakes.”

Mendoza will showcase her skills along with 23 other chefs in competition to win $100,000.

Tune in for season seven of MasterChef Junior on Tuesday, March 12 on FOX.