Is Mardela's Ernie Adkins worst cook in America?

Viewers who tune into the Food Network may soon see a familiar face.

Ernie Adkins of Mardela Springs will put his kitchen skills — or lack there of — to the test on the upcoming season of "Worst Cooks in America."

Adkins is a married father of four, an army combat veteran and a commercial truck driver, whose cooking has been known to regularly set off smoke detectors.

He is among 14 competitors to be featured on the famed cooking show that awards $25,000 to the chef who improves the most from the moment they walk on set. The new season begins at 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, with the finale airing Sunday, Feb. 14.

Adkins was nominated for the show by his daughter, Katelyn.

"She told them I was real good at burning water," he said. "And that I needed to learn how to cook something more nutritious than a brick of charcoal."

Although he can't reveal the outcome of the prerecorded show, Adkins said he's come a long way since setting dishes on fire. His family even trusted him to cook this year's entire Thanksgiving dinner — by himself.

"It was banging," he said.

Adkins made deviled eggs, baked mac and cheese, stuffing, coleslaw and golden potatoes with fresh rosemary. For the main course, he served a roasted chicken, seasoned with a homemade rub. He even prepared a reduction to glaze the bird, made from scratch, using sweet red and white wines, balsamic vinegar, honey and minced onions.

"If you told me a year ago that I would have cooked such an important meal for my family, I would have laughed right in your face," he said. "And my family would have laughed, too."

But while filming in New York, Adkins grew confident in the kitchen. He learned culinary basics like knife techniques, proper meat handling and how to sauté, chop, sear, blanch and shock. Adkins and the other contestants worked closely under Top Chefs Anne Burrell and Tyler Florence throughout the season.

"They are like samurai warriors of the kitchen," he said. "I mean, like, flippin' ninjas. They are just true masters at their craft. It was an honor to learn from them."

When the cameras weren't rolling, Adkins said the 14 competitors developed a strong, close-knit bond with one another. For nearly seven weeks, the group lived together in a cast house in New York City. They each came to the show with varying skills sets, stories and flaws, but left better than before, he said.

"It was like we were working in a no-judgement zone from day one," he said. "You know, we started out as 14 strangers and left as 14 friends. And I think very highly of each and every one of them, as individuals and as chefs."

Although the grand prize was always in the back of Adkins mind, his family's support and his lack luster kitchen skills were the driving forces behind his participation in the show.

"My family means everything to me," he said. "I saw competing as an opportunity to better myself and truly learn how to cook, from the masters. I wanted to be able to come home and have fun in the kitchen with my wife, my daughters, and even my son."

Adkins said the show has allowed him to connect with his family on a whole new level, like never before.

"You know, the kitchen is a wonderful place to make memories and be with the ones you love," he said. "In the past few weeks, I've gotten to bond with my girls, especially, in ways I never could before. We made homemade cookies and ice cream for Christmas. It's just been a blast. The show has given me more than I ever thought was possible. Way more than any proposed prize."

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