Corn dogs, funnel cakes, and fried Oreos might be classic state fair treats, but the fairgrounds are also where bakers showcase their best creations through competitions. For Sandra Lee, known for her Food Network shows “Semi-Homemade Cooking” and “Sandra’s Money Saving Meals,” the state fair holds special significance. In 1992, she won a blue ribbon at the Los Angeles County Fair for display and design, reflecting her deep appreciation for community and creativity.
Now, Lee is bringing that fair spirit to a global audience with her new show, “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship,” premiering Friday on Netflix. On the show, ten skilled pastry chefs compete for a blue ribbon and a $100,000 prize. Lee co-hosts with “American Pie” star Jason Biggs, who she praises as a talented baker himself, and she judges alongside former White House pastry chef Bill Yosses and award-winning baker Bryan Ford.
This new project marks a fresh chapter for Lee, who has faced significant personal challenges, including a battle with breast cancer in 2015 and the end of a long-term relationship in 2019. During that period, she also relocated from New York to California to care for her ailing uncle. Reflecting on her journey, Lee shares, “I’ve spent the last decade cleaning house of my life, which was extremely painful and very hard to do. I’m finding peace with my decisions and my new life. Part of that new life is returning to television, hopefully wiser and better than ever.”
In a Q&A with The Associated Press, Lee discusses her renewed focus and future plans:
AP: You seem to be in a great place with fresh ideas.
LEE: I took time to replenish and reflect on what I wanted to achieve. Recovering from illness in 2015 made me focus on my goals. Work has always been crucial to me, and one of my bucket list items is “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship.”
AP: What other goals do you have?
LEE: I have a concept for a groundbreaking daytime TV show and another idea involving a character I introduced on “Today” with Jenna Bush, Aunt Sandy Clause. I also have content for a reality show about real estate and home staging, inspired by my sister’s business in Seattle.
AP: What sets “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship” apart from other cooking competitions?
LEE: The show’s camaraderie and sense of family among contestants make it special. They supported each other and even helped out at their stations. The real-time filming also adds to the authenticity and intensity, unlike other shows with breaks or swaps.
AP: What is your first love—cooking, baking, or entrepreneurship?
LEE: My first love is cake decorating. While others played with dolls, I experimented with icing and cake decorating books.
AP: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
LEE: I love antique collecting and observing shopping trends. I can spot gaps and needs in a space, which helps in business.
AP: Has this skill been useful in your career?
LEE: Yes, it has. For example, with “Semi-Homemade,” many doubted the concept, but I persisted and it became a top show. I used the same approach with “Money Saving Meals,” leading to another successful project.
AP: How many Christmas trees do you put up?
LEE: I decorate a tree in every room of the house, adapting the decor to fit each room’s theme.
AP: Do you stick to a theme for each tree?
LEE: Each tree reflects the room it’s in, but I don’t go overboard, though some might consider my Santas-on-toilet-paper decor a bit much.
