Earlier this week, Sandra Lee was busy working on recipes in Food Network Kitchens. She took a break to sit down and chat with us about her new season of Sandra’s Money Saving Meals, premiering this Sunday at 12pm/11c.

FN Dish: This season’s premiere of Sandra’s Money Saving Meals is all about the Bake Sale. When you visit a table full of great-looking treats, what’s your pick? Cookie, brownie, cupcake, something else?

Sandra Lee: Snickerdoodles. If they have a snickerdoodle, I’ll definitely buy that.

FN Dish: What’s your wallet-friendly take on this classic fundraising event?

Sandra: I wanted to show that it can still be inexpensive to throw a fabulous bake sale. And not just a bake sale that’s all about sweets, but a bake sale that also offers savory items. So that way, if you’re walking by, there’s no reason to say no. You can’t say, “I can’t have sugar because I haven’t eaten anything.” Well, we’ve got Ham and Cheese Pinwheels. Have that and then you can have a brownie! Cookies are always good, too; brownies already cut and packaged are good. Cupcakes can be good but glazes are better than high icing. Cake is great, but pieces should always be pre-packaged so you’re not touching it. Avoid anything that’s hard to slice and messy. Banana cream pie—not so much.

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Fourth of July is upon us, and so Aunt Sandy took some time to talk with me about the holiday and a bit more. From explaining why the fourth is her favorite holiday weekend (her birthday is the 3rd of July, why wouldn’t it be?), to where she learned to grill (a summer job at the Ramada Inn during her college days), and of course Sandra treats us to a yummy fourth menu.

SECRETARY CONFIDENTIAL: SHOSHAM wrote in with this question: “If you could only splurge on one thing for your own July 4th party, which would it be: Food, Decorations, or Cocktails?”

Um….Hello?

SANDRA LEE: I’m thinking…that has got to be the hardest question anyone could ask me! Oh man, that’s like choosing your favorite child.

SC: So, is the answer D) All of the above?

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The FN Dish will be interviewing the beautifully frugal Sandra Lee this Monday, June 22. All of you readers came up with such great questions for our interview with Ted Allen, so we’re opening the doors to you once again!

Stuck planning your July 4th celebration? Need some money-saving advice for your next picnic? Post all of your questions for Sandra Lee in the comments, and we’ll pick a few to ask her on Monday!