Sandra Lee, a cookbook author and TV personality known for her Food Network shows, has a special connection to state and county fairs, where bakers test out their creations in competitions. Lee herself won a blue ribbon at the Los Angeles County Fair in 1992 for display and design. Now, she is bringing the spirit of state fairs to a global audience with a new show called “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship,” airing on Netflix. The show features 10 talented pastry chefs competing in bake-offs for a chance to win $100,000 and a blue ribbon prize. Alongside co-host Jason Biggs, Lee serves as a judge on the show, alongside former White House pastry chef Bill Yosses and award-winning baker Bryan Ford.
This new venture marks a new chapter for Lee both personally and professionally. After battling breast cancer in 2015 and ending a 14-year relationship with former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019, Lee decided to make some significant changes in her life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she moved to California to care for her uncle Bill, who was battling cancer himself. Lee reflects on this period of upheaval and transformation, stating that she has found peace with her decisions and is looking forward to a fresh start in her career and personal life. Returning to television represents a significant milestone for her as she embarks on this new chapter.
In a Q&A session, Lee shared some insights into her new show and her plans for the future. She discussed her focus on work and her career bucket list, which includes the creation of innovative television shows that will change daytime programming. One of her ideas involves a character named Aunt Sandy Clause, which she introduced on the “Today” show with Jenna Bush. Lee also expressed interest in developing a reality show based on real estate and home staging, drawing inspiration from her sister’s successful real estate business in Seattle. Her vision for her future projects reflects her passion for creativity and entrepreneurship.
“Blue Ribbon Baking Championship” sets itself apart from other cooking competition shows through its emphasis on camaraderie and a sense of family among the contestants. Lee highlights the supportive and uplifting interactions between the bakers, who often go out of their way to help each other during the competition. Through the show, Lee hopes to showcase a different side of American culture and lifestyle to viewers around the world, emphasizing kindness and community spirit. Unlike typical competitive shows, “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship” is filmed in real time, adding an element of authenticity and intensity to the competition.
Reflecting on her own passions, Lee reveals that cake decorating is her first love, dating back to her childhood. She recalls spending hours playing with powdered sugar and Wilton icing tips while other kids played with dolls. This early interest in baking and decorating has shaped her career and creative endeavors. In her spare time, Lee enjoys antiquing and collecting unique pieces, which she finds inspiring for her design and staging projects. Her ability to see spaces differently and identify what is missing or needed has been a valuable skill in both her personal interests and business ventures.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, Lee shares her love of decorating for Christmas, revealing that she likes to put up multiple trees in different rooms of her house. She emphasizes the importance of coordinating each tree with the theme of the room it is in, creating a cohesive and festive atmosphere throughout her home. Lee’s unique approach to Christmas decor reflects her creativity and attention to detail, whether she is showcasing traditional decorations or quirky and distinctive items like Santa-themed toilet paper. Throughout her career and personal life, Sandra Lee continues to inspire with her innovative ideas and passion for baking, decorating, and entrepreneurship.
