Sandra Lee says Blue Ribbon Baking Championship celebrates the State Fair, interview
From the iconic Wisconsin State Fair Cream Puff to the Texas State Fair curious creations, food and the state fairs go hand in hand. While the tasty delights might get all the social media glory, it is only one aspect of those annual events. On the new Netflix show, Blue Ribbon Baking Championship, Sandra Lee explains how the food television competition gives a glimpse into the whole state fair.
Available to stream on Netflix, Blue Ribbon Baking Championship has ten bakers competing for the coveted title. Over a series of challenges, the bakers must showcase their skills in all types of challenges. The pressure to be perfect in every bake makes for engaging food television.
During a conversation with FoodSided ahead of the series debut, Sandra Lee shared some insight on the show that she created. While many people have happily used her “semi-homemade” cooking ideas over the years, Lee is a Blue Ribbon winning baker. That authenticity, knowledge, and experience makes her a great champion for this show and the concept.
When asked what viewers can expect to see on the Netflix show, Lee said, “in Blue Ribbon Baking Championship, we have so many different competitions that everyone competes in. You are going to see your favorite state fair food, you are going to see the thing that they create, and you will see them react, pivot, and change. There will be moments where we walk down memory lane.”
“We bring different parts of the fair into the competition. We do that by taking arts and crafts elements and fold it into what they are cooking. These types of challenges are ones that you are not going to see on another show, anywhere. It is going to be a very compelling show and you are going to learn a lot.”
Since many people watch food television shows not only for the spirited competition but also to learn some concepts or ideas along the way, Lee appreciates that there are plenty of ways to be inspired. Whether it is a semi-homemade concept or baking from scratch, there is plenty to uncover on Blue Ribbon Baking Championship.
Lee explained, viewers will “see ways to embellish and to decorate that you did not know existed. You will see different flavor bases and profiles that go into foods which you can easily put into something that is ready made or prepackaged from the grocery store.”
“One of the things that really interesting is that at the height of ‘Semi-Homemade’ I created the Blue Ribbon Baking Championship show concept 12 years ago. The reason why I did is because some people love ‘stand and stirs,’ which would be myself Rachael (Ray) and Ina (Garten). Some people really like competitive (shows) like Guy Fieri and Next Food Network Star, but never the two shall meet.”
What Blue Ribbon Baking Championship does is bring together the two aspects in a way that not only engages the viewer but also gives them ideas, tips, and concepts to take into their kitchen. As Lee explained, there is a takeaway with this Netflix show.
Lee said, “we have riveting television. We have an incredible competition that checks every single box. And we have a very solid process that gives people a takeaway and ideas that they can do at home.”
After watching Blue Ribbon Baking Championship on Netflix, it is time to sift the flour, cream the butter, and let that stand mixer turn. Whether that dessert is semi-homemade or made from scratch, this food competition will inspire everyone to discover the joys of baking.
All episodes of Blue Ribbon Baking Championship can be streamed on Netflix.