Bowie 11-Year-Old To Compete On Food Network Show

An 11-year-old boy from Bowie has been selected as one of a dozen bakers to compete in the Food Network's "Kids Baking Championship" that will premier on New Year's Day.

Michael Platt will battle against 11 other kids ranging from 10 to 13 years old to create desserts as the show seeks to find the "most impressive and creative kid baker in the country," according to a Food Network statement.

The winner, who will be crowned after 10 episodes, will take home a prize of $25,000, be featured in Food Network Magazine, and earn the title "Kids Baking Champion."

"Throughout the ten-episode season, the kid contestants must tackle new confectionary challenges, from sweet dessert pizzas using traditional savory pizza toppings, to out-of-this-world desserts with freeze-dried astronaut approved ingredients, and to a new twist on the popular imposter dessert challenge featuring lunchbox favorites," reads a Food Network statement. "On the premiere, the bakers must conquer cookie cakes, but when Duff and Valerie throw them a crazy curveball, one competitor melts under the pressure."

The show will air at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 1, and the winner will be crowned on the March 5 show.

Michael won't be the only contestant from the D.C. area, with 10-year-old Gareth Bennett from Gaithersburg (back row, third from right) also competing.

Image via Food Network