‘MasterChef Junior’ latest news: Season 2 winner Logan Guleff gears up for the release of first cookbook; Season 5 names top 18

Things are quite hectic for “MasterChef Junior” Season 2 winner Logan Guleff, as his first cookbook soon makes its way to the bookstands. The 14-year-old culinary star is set to release “Logan’s Chef Notes and Half Baked Tales,” which is now being pre-sold online.

Fans would remember that Logan was named “MasterChef Junior” in 2014, taking home US$ 100,000 (around AU$ 130,000). His dishes, including his bold and crazy entrée of salt-crusted branzino, won over the hearts of “MasterChef Junior” judges Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich. Logan won over runner-up Samuel Stromberg, who’s a year older than him.

Since winning “MasterChef Junior,” he has become a rising star in the culinary world. In 2016, Logan has been named one of the Most Influential Teens by Time Magazine and was hailed as Southern Living‘s Best New Southern Cook. He also earned a spot on Fortune Magazine’s 18 Under 18 list in the same year. Apart from these accolades, Logan was also the youngest chef to cook at the historic James Beard House in New York City. Recently, the young chef from Memphis finished judging the International Young Chef Olympiad in India.

Amid all these activities, the youngster had been busy writing “Logan’s Chef Notes and Half Baked Tales.” In a statement, Logan described his first cookbook as a graphic novel adventure. “It is a totally new concept in cookbooks,” he said. “My unique culinary journey, much like this book, is fueled by my passion for food and the love of adventure.”

Logan’s book, which can now be pre-ordered at www.LogansChefNotes.com for US$ 19.95 (around AU$ 26.00), includes quotes from various celebrities such as Chef Graham and Jessica Biel. Chef Eric Kopelow from Universal Studios Hollywood says the cookbook “inspires others to think as he does, to be creative and innovative …”

In one of his Instagram posts, Logan uploaded a photo of himself with a first glimpse of his book. “This is that moment when all the hard work pays off - my book on the shelf @burkesbookstore just for a preview! Edits 90% done going to press,” he wrote.

Logan’s cookbook comes as “MasterChef Junior” made its return to the small screens recently. Season 5, which first aired earlier this month, started with 40 chefs between the ages of eight and 13. After its most recent episode, judges Chef Gordon and Christina Tosi have trimmed the contestants down to top 18. Special guest judges who will make appearances throughout the season include “The Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik, “Modern Family” actress Julie Bowen and the Muppets’ Miss Piggy, according to Fox. “MasterChef Junior” Season 5 airs in the US every Thursday at 8 p.m. on Fox.