Chef-Instructor Shelley Handler

Introduction: HELLO! [NOTE: ALL OF MY COOKING CLASSES ARE TAUGHT REMOTELY] Through the magic of Zoom, you and I will cook together in the familiar comfort of your own kitchen. As a cooking instructor with 30+ years of experience, I bring you the benefits of my time as Chef of Chez Panisse Cafe and nearly a decade of teaching at the California Culinary Academy. My students have been very happy to bring my teaching into their kitchens via laptop, phone or tablet. Teaching remotely lets me see your work up close, and my two-camera setup allows you to see me, my hands and my burners with ease. It also allows me to reach students well beyond San Francisco. My culinary experience began 30+ years ago, and ranges from chef of the Chez Panisse Cafe to nearly a decade of teaching aspiring chefs at the California Culinary Academy. For over 10+ years my teaching has been aimed at a wide range of non-professionals, from "I can't even" beginners, to home cooks with a good bit of skill at the stove. Choosing from the techniques and cuisines that interest you most, you’ll learn to make tasty, from-scratch dishes, some simple enough to go from stove to table in 20 minutes or less. Teaching privately, I take real delight in watching clients who have never cooked begin to feel at home in the kitchen. I enjoy working with the kitchen-shy, students who are anxious about getting it right and helping them loosen up at the stove. Working with me, you’ll learn to feel at ease around knives, flames and big hot pans. You’ll also learn timing, a bit of meal planning and what flavors combine well. My 30+ years of teaching have focused on Italian, Mexican, Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisines as well as the lovely mix of these that find that find their way into our broad-ranging California style. I am not, however, a baker or pastry chef. If you want to learn to make sourdough or wrangle a pie crust, there are other chefs here who excel at those. That said, if you're looking to make something as simple as cookies or brownies, let's talk!