Sarah Bettendorf ’07 talks with chef Tyler Florence during filming of “Worst Cooks in America” on the Food Network. Photo courtesy of the Food Network
Despite the culinary careers of her mother and brother — both trained chefs — Bettendorf’s cooking skills didn’t evolve much after graduating from St. Cloud State with a degree in art education in 2007.
Sarah’s specialties
With a sunny personality, a lack of cooking skills and a drive to find adventure and bring people together, Bettendorf ’07 was a perfect home cook candidate for Food Network’s sixth season of “Worst Cooks in America.”
“I’m not one who skirts away from adventure. I’ve had a lot of adventure in my life,” she said. “I had the mindset of I’m going to learn some skills I don’t already have.”
And she did.
Bettendorf made it to the final four out of 14 contestants competing for $25,000 on “Worst Cooks,” hosted by celebrity chefs Tyler Florence and Anne Burrell. Bettendorf was on Chef Tyler’s team and learned to cook everything from omlettes to fresh calimari. She also became known for her infectious positive spirit.
“I wish there was a way my words had glitter or sparkles,” she said in a post-show interview on Food Network’s FN Blog.
Sarah Bettendorf ’07 on Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America.” Photo courtesy of the Food Network
Her presence on the show even inspired a fan to create an online petition to get Bettendorf her own cooking show.
“I didn’t realize me being me would have that much impact on people,” she said.
Bettendorf said she got into teaching to bring people together and likes the idea of teaching on TV. She credits her education at St. Cloud State for preparing her for national television.
Becoming a licensed K-12 art teacher helped her with public speaking and formulating ideas for projects.
“You’re also immersed with people from everywhere,” Bettendorf said of how college prepared her to live with 14 people from diverse backgrounds while filming for “Worst Cooks.”
“At St. Cloud State I was friends with people from Japan and England. I made friends with people from all over the world on one campus.”
