For OKC agent, it's reality TV, not realty
She can show a kitchen, but don't let her cook in it
Denise Sch rode risa woman of many gifts and talents, but there' s one thing she can't do: Cook.
So, of course she found a way to show off this rare lack of ability and have fun doing it — in front of another national television audience.
She will go up against
Denise Schroder feels her way around a kitchen for an episode of “Worst Cooks in America,” on TV at 8 p.m. Sunday.
other recruit son the Food Network' s reality series “Worst Cooks in America” at 8 p.m. Sunday. By day, she is a real estate agent, along with her husband, Troy, with Keller Williams Realty Elite, 5629 N Classen Blvd.
The show takes a dozen or more contestants with poor cooking skills through a culinary boot camp to earn a cash prize of $25,000 and a Food Network cooking set. Recruits are trained on basic cooking techniques including baking, knife skills, temperature, seasoning and preparation. The final challenge is to prepare and cook a three-course meal — restaurant quality — for three food critics.
It's not Schroder's first time under the bright lights. Most recently, last August, she and her husband were featured on HGTV's “House Hunters” — for the third time.
Here' s how the Food Network promoted her as a recruit for “Worst Cooks in America”:
“With her fire-engine red lipstick, perfectly coiffed hair and high heels, Denise prides herself on looking cameraready at all times. Busy with her husband, children and career, she never found time to learn how to cook and has always envied those who can. Denise is known for setting fires when she tries to cook, much to the dismay of her family and local firemen.”
Denise Schroder puts her lack of cooking skills to the test on an episode of the Food Network's “Worst Cooks in America,” on TV at 8 p.m. Sunday. [PHOTO PROVIDED]
This raised questions.
Q. How did a nice girl like you get involved with THIS craziness?
A. I have been appearing on major network shows since I was 25 ( I feel 29, but I am 47!) My adult life has literally been chronicled and documented through the years on Oprah( two appearances ), Steve Harvey ( two appearances), Rachael Ray, CBS The Talk, and “House Hunters” on HGTV (three appearances). I am a small-town girl that is “almost famous” and have had such a wild ride being invited to be a part of some of the highest-rated shows on national TV.
It is a blessing I do not take
for granted! I was nominated and introduced to this show by my sister. Anyone who knows me well has most likely been a victim of my bad cooking! What can I say? I am good entertainment when it comes to starting kitchen fires and burning and charring anything I attempt to cook. My husband has been my not-so-willing guinea pig for my cooking attempts, which always start out optimistic and end up being a train wreck!
For my audition tape, I had to cook a meal. We were moving two days before the deadline to submit my video. I barely could get to any pots and pans that were packed up
and did not even have a potholder. I improvised and used a paper towel on the handles of the pot and a full-on flame erupted and I scrambled to get it diffused. There is always a fire extinguisher within an arm's distance.
Q. It's not real estate related, so does this mean you are branching out TV wise?
A. I am always up to any opportunity in entertainment! I am working on another project with another network as well. This comedic series is right up my alley because I have always been self-deprecating about my weakness in the kitchen. I will never quit my day job, aka dream! I have been told I should stick to selling kitchens, not cooking in them.
Q. You are such a natural ham — and I mean that in a fun way — what did you do before you were a Realtor? Or, what prepared you for this kind of thing?
A. I have been a stayat-home mom, an obstetrical surgery tech, a personal trainer, photographer, administrative assistant and now a Realtor and marketing strategist for Schroder Real Estate Group. I have been singing and performing since I was 2. I went to college on a vocal scholarship, have been heavily involved in theater, show troupes, doing singing telegrams, on-hold messaging, singing jingles for Fox, “Drew Carey Show,” Braum's and many others.
It is in my DNA to perform and have a creative outlet outside of real estate. The way I see real estate is every day, everything we do is a show. We are performing to serve others and entertain them to stay top of mind in our industry.
Q. What else do you want to tell me?
A. This season is packed with BIG personalities that bring so much laughter. Set those DVRs to record the whole season 20 of “Worst Cooks In America” on the Food Network. This was a terrifying and rewarding experience balled into one! So grateful for being chosen and hand selected to represent America and never losing my sense of humor or tenacity at Boot Camp! I was not allowed to wear high heels in the kitchen there but snuck my lipstick in! This cast simply does not disappoint!