Let’s talk about love, and who better to dive into than Food Network’s own Sandra Lee? The culinary queen has been turning heads with her blossoming romance with Ben Youcef. They first sparked interest in the public eye back in August 2021, and ever since, they’ve been a picture of happiness. But how did they get here? Let’s scroll down and uncover the details of Sandra’s current relationship.

What Was Sandra Lee’s Love Life Like Before Ben Youcef?

Rewind a few years, and Sandra was walking down the aisle with businessman Bruce Karatz. The marriage lasted from 2001 to 2005, but after their split, Sandra didn’t waste much time before finding love again. Just a summer after her divorce, she met Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York, at a Hamptons party. They hit it off instantly, and their relationship blossomed into a 14-year-long romance. But like all things, their love story eventually came to an end. In September 2019, they announced their breakup in a heartfelt statement.

“Over the recent past, we have realized that our lives have gone in different directions and our romantic relationship has turned into a deep friendship,” Sandra and Andrew shared. “We will always be family and are fully supportive of each other and dedicated to the girls. Our personal lives remain personal, and there will be no further comment.”

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Though Sandra and Andrew didn’t have children together, Sandra formed a close bond with Andrew’s three daughters—Michaela, Cara, and Mariah—from his previous marriage to Kerry Kennedy. These relationships added a new layer of family to Sandra’s life, even after the breakup.

Who Exactly Is Ben Youcef, Sandra Lee’s New Love?

Fast forward to March 2021, and Sandra met Ben Youcef at a restaurant. At first, they were just friends, but as time passed, their connection deepened. By August of that same year, they were spotted vacationing together in Europe, signaling a shift from friendship to romance. They officially confirmed their relationship on Instagram on Valentine’s Day 2022, much to the delight of their fans.

Sandra marked their one-year anniversary with a heartfelt caption: “I swore I would never fall again, trust again, love again or open myself up again. On our one-year anniversary, I shall share the story of how we met, but until then, my wish for you is that no matter where you are, how old you are, or what has happened, you can welcome hope back into your life again.”

Sandra Lee Boyfriend Ben Youcef: Relationship Updates — Courtesy of Sandra Lee/Instagram

Ben, who hails from Algeria, is not just any guy. He’s an accomplished actor with appearances in popular shows like CSI: NY, Chicago P.D., Law & Order, and SEAL Team. But that’s not all—Ben also leads an interfaith non-profit organization and is a semi-pro tennis player, according to IMDb. He’s a proud dad to twins Harris and Hannah, whom he had with his ex-wife, Apryl Stephenson.

This past Christmas, Sandra and Ben spent quality time with his kids, sharing heartwarming moments in the snow. Sandra captured the joy in a series of photos, showing just how much fun they were having. It’s clear that Sandra has embraced her role as a stepmom and is fully invested in this new chapter of her life.

In a candid interview with E! News just before the holidays in December 2023, Sandra opened up about her relationship with Ben. “We have each other’s passwords on our phones,” she revealed. “We trust each other completely. There’s no question that we can’t ask each other, and the other one won’t be completely forthcoming.” It’s that level of trust and openness that makes their relationship so special.