Sandra Lee and Semi-Homemade Cooking

Since 2006 I've watched a number of Sandra Lee's "Semi-Homemade Cooking" episodes on The food Network; what captivated me from the beginning was both Sandra Lee's impeccable personal style and the elegance of her kitchen, which she changes for each episode. Sandra Lee is remarkably easy on the eyes - a modern-day throwback to the style, grace and beauty of the 1950's. That crispness is what she represents.

Sandra Lee's originality is beyond compare and while she gives credit to her beloved paternal grandmother for instilling in her the love of baking and decorating, Sandra Lee's inventiveness is entirely her own. Many have grown up in challenging circumstances but not everyone can tastefully design a small apartment with inexpensive fabrics. Buying them is one thing - making them into something beautiful is another.

Sandra Lee was born on July 3^rd 1966 in Los Angeles, CA, to teenage parents. She resided with her paternal grandmother who taught her how to bake and impressed upon her the importance and value of charity and community service. Sandra Lee's grandmother wasn't well off but she always gave to those in need.

In 1972 Sandra Lee's mother remarried and moved Sandra to Washington State. Five years later her mother was divorced; it was then that her mother fell into an extended state of depression. Sandra Lee was left to care for herself and her four siblings. At the time she was only 11.

Sandra Lee, with limited means, relied on The Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook - a resourceful staple in most households, or at least it should be. Sandra Lee used her imagination to make nutritious meals that her siblings would eat and enjoy. She was still a child herself but learned how to be responsible with money and that life lesson was invaluable - something she probably wouldn't have learned if she had experienced a privileged upbringing.

I confess that when I first started watching Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade Cooking I would have never guessed she had struggles; she appeared as if she had an upper-middle class upbringing and lived in a beautiful home with a white picket fence. Perhaps if she had we wouldn't be graced with her tips on creative touches on a budget.

In 1982 Sandra Lee's stepfather came back for his children and Sandra Lee was sent to live with her birth father - a man she didn't remember and a man that didn't know much about how to care for a daughter. Once again her grandmother stepped in and helped Sandra Lee secure an apartment and gave her 500 dollars a month to live on. Sandra Lee worked and was able to finish High School.

In 1987 Sandra Lee moved back to California and after decorating her own home was told she could help other women by turning her self-made curtain accessories into a business. It was then that "Kurtain Kraft" was born and became very successful.

Several years later Sandra wanted to do something different so she went to La Cordon Bleu cooking school in Canada. Part way through Sandra felt dishes could be simplified (for the average cook) and wanted to focus her attention that way.

She also started writing cookbooks and thought that busy women could benefit from her ideas. Sandra Lee has said, "I've always been directed by what the busy homemaker needs and wants." "My job is to make it easier, better, more affordable and more attainable for her."

Some critics scoffed at Sandra Lee's cooking and some of the reviews on her recipes have been less-than-kind. I remember reading one woman condescend by writing, "I know that Sandra Lee's fans and viewers are inept in the kitchen..."

Aside from having an elitist attitude, why would it even bother her that some women may prefer shortcuts and the Semi-Homemade way? The concept of Semi-Homemade cooking isn't new. I think most of us have found ways to simplify our time in the kitchen. Baking and cooking from scratch is preferable but not always quick and affordable. Furthermore, I've known a number of men and women who were never taught how to cook or bake. Sandra Lee makes it easy for them to learn. How can that be a bad thing?

Sandra Lee truly excels in all that she does and her tablescapes are remarkable. I could be given the same items to work with but could never come up with anything as beautiful as Sandra Lee does. That is why I enjoy watching her show and picking up tips where I can. Like Sandra Lee says, "Presentation is everything."