Chef Shawnie is a culinary instructor and food writer who brings global flavors and cultural inspiration into every cooking class. As a resident chef leading culinary programs in Columbus, she specializes in travel-inspired cuisine rooted in her experience living and working across Europe. Chef Shawnie’s engaging and approachable teaching style helps guests build confidence in the kitchen while exploring the connection between food culture and tradition.
Chef Highlights
Graduated from Carnegie Mellom University, Pittsburgh, PA, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Award-winning: Culinary Instructor & Program Designer with 18+ years of teaching hands-on cooking classes and culinary travel seminars for audiences from small groups to 500+ participants., Food and Travel Writer for national and international magazines, Board Member - Columbus State's Hospitality Advisory Committee and Slow Food Columbus
Press Mentions: Regular cooking segment on Good Day Columbus - WSYX ABC 6 for 2 years, Occasional cooking appearances on all three of the local Columbus new channels and NPR.
Flexible booking: Cancel or reschedule this event's reservation for free up to 48 hours before the event.
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WHAT YOU’LL DO
Discover the art of making classic Spanish paella in this online cooking class.
In this exciting online cooking class, you'll learn the art of classic Spanish paella, loaded with chicken, chorizo and shellfish and infused with smoky paprika and saffron spices. To enhance your dish and complete the meal, you'll assemble a bright arugula salad featuring zingy citrus wedges, currants and Manchego cheese, drizzled with a refreshing vinaigrette.
Join Chef Shawnie from the comfort of your home as you cook along in an interactive and relaxed virtual format that's designed to teach you, step-by-step. You’ll master traditional Spanish techniques and learn important skills that you can carry forward like balancing spices, cooking times and layering flavors. You'll discover culinary tips that will be useful for a lifetime. Book this online cooking class today!
Your Menu
Classic Paella Mixta
With shrimp, shellfish, chorizo, chicken, broth and spices
Spanish Citrus Salad
With mixed bitter greens, oranges, manchego cheese, currants and marcona almonds
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Fully interactive online cooking class
Step-by-step guidance from Chef Shawnie
Ask questions in real time
No prior cooking experience needed
Private classes available for groups and special events
About This Experience
RecipesRecipe links are sent in your booking confirmation.
IngredientsIngredients can be adapted for dietary restrictions or lack of availability.
TechnologyConnect with the chef using Zoom on your computer, tablet or mobile device.
Class ParticipationChime in with questions through audio or chat. Use of video is optional.
Class Size
Public class sizes are between 4 to 10 connections to provide an opportunity for all guests to participate and ask questions. Private classes can accommodate up to 498 guests.
Event Duration1.5 hours
Prep Time25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Paella
¼ cup olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small red bell pepper, cored and finely diced
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon smoked sweet or hot pimentón, or smoked paprika
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted, drained
1½ cups Bomba or Calasparra paella rice
4 ounces Spanish chorizo, sliced into ¼-inch half-moons
4½ cups chicken, seafood or vegetable stock
½ teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled and steeped in the stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ pound boiled octopus pieces or tentacles, sliced, optional
½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch pieces
¼ cup dry white wine mixed with ½ cup water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
½ pound small clams, scrubbed and thoroughly rinsed
½ cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
For the Salad
Yield: 6–8 servings
Dressing
⅓ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Leaves from 1 thyme sprig, chopped
Salad
A mixture of lacinato kale, curly endive or frisée, spinach and radicchio, cut into bite-sized pieces
Allow approximately 3 ounces of greens per person
2 small blood oranges, segmented
1 large navel orange, segmented
½ shallot, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon dried currants, raisins or cranberries
4 ounces manchego cheese, shaved
Marcona almonds, plain or sea-salted, as needed
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, if using unsalted almonds
Kitchen Equipment
For the Paella
Paella pan, cast-iron skillet, braiser or high-sided stainless steel pan
Chef’s knife
Spatula or wooden spoon, for stirring
Skillet with a lid, for steaming the shellfish
Aluminum foil, for tenting the paella, or a lid that fits the pan
Fine zester, for the orange zest
For the Citrus Salad
Cutting board
Paring knife or chef’s knife
Large salad bowl
Small bowl or measuring cup, for preparing the vinaigrette
Tongs or salad servers, for tossing
Whisk or fork, for mixing the vinaigrette
Prep Work Details
Prepare all ingredients as directed in the ingredient list.
In a bowl or measuring cup, steep 1/2 teaspoon of crumbled saffron threads in 4 1/2 cups of your preferred stock.
Prepare the proteins:
Rinse and debeard the mussels.
Rinse the clams under cold water several times to remove any grit.
Dice the chicken thighs into small, even cubes.
Slice the chorizo sausage into 1/4-inch rounds.
If using a paella pan, wipe it clean, then use a paper towel to lightly coat it with oil. Follow the same process when using a cast-iron pan, a large braiser or a large high-sided stainless steel pan.
WHY GUESTS LOVE THIS CLASS
Join the chef live via Zoom and cook along from your own kitchen in a hands-on, interactive class.
Beginner-friendly recipes with clear, step-by-step guidance
Chef Shawnie is a culinary instructor and food writer who brings global flavors and cultural inspiration into every cooking class. As a resident chef leading culinary programs in Columbus, she specializes in travel-inspired cuisine rooted in her experience living and working across Europe. Chef Shawnie’s engaging and approachable teaching style helps guests build confidence in the kitchen while exploring the connection between food culture and tradition.
Chef Highlights
Graduated from Carnegie Mellom University, Pittsburgh, PA, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Award-winning: Culinary Instructor & Program Designer with 18+ years of teaching hands-on cooking classes and culinary travel seminars for audiences from small groups to 500+ participants., Food and Travel Writer for national and international magazines, Board Member - Columbus State's Hospitality Advisory Committee and Slow Food Columbus
Press Mentions: Regular cooking segment on Good Day Columbus - WSYX ABC 6 for 2 years, Occasional cooking appearances on all three of the local Columbus new channels and NPR.
Whether preparing for a party, special occasion, or a family dinner, Shawnie always ensures a memorable, mouth-watering experience with fresh, culinary takes on virtually any type of cuisine, whether it's regional, international, farm-to-table, or for special dietary requirements. The presentation is flawless, and she makes everything look so easy! I'm getting hungry just writing this review!
Nick K
I’ve had the pleasure of taking several of Chef Shawnie’s cooking classes—both in-home and in group settings—and every single experience has been exceptional. Shawnie brings an energy to the kitchen that is absolutely contagious. She’s vibrant, welcoming, and an expert communicator who has a gift for making everyone feel comfortable, no matter their skill level.
Her depth of culinary knowledge is remarkable. She has traveled the world studying techniques and flavors from a wide range of cultures, and she brings that global perspective into every class she teaches. You can feel her passion for food and learning in the way she explains each step, each ingredient, and each method with patience and clarity.
What truly sets Chef Shawnie apart is her ability to create an environment that is both educational and incredibly fun. Her classes are lively, engaging, and full of laughter. You walk away not only with new skills and recipes, but with a genuine sense of accomplishment and joy.
I highly recommend Chef Shawnie to anyone looking to elevate their cooking, explore new cuisines, or simply enjoy a memorable culinary experience. She is a true professional and an absolute delight to learn from.
Justin
Shawnie is an outstanding teacher and chef! I have attended several of her classes and enjoyed every single one. She brings a combination of experience and approachability to cooking. At the end of each of her classes I felt that I had new skills afterwards and was excited about not only the meal we prepared but the techniques we learned. I especially appreciated her organization and follow-up, which allowed us to focus on cooking and learning without distraction. Definitely don't miss out on any future classes with her, you won't regret it!
Meredith
I have had the opportunity to enjoy Shawnie’s delicious meals on several occasions. She customized menus that satisfied my vegetarian requirements and my husband‘s tree nut allergy. The meals were crafted with amazing flavor and exceptional presentation. Don’t ever miss dessert … her pastry skills are out of this world.
I have also had a chance to take cooking classes with the Chef. I witnessed her being encouraging and patient with people newer to cooking while being able to clearly articulate flavor profiles and techniques to those with more advanced skills. She has given me new skills that I am able to use in my kitchen with my family.
I highly recommend Chef Shawnie and look forward to my next opportunity to enjoy her talents.
Melissa
Working with Shawnie is an unforgettable experience from start to finish. She has a true gift—not only for creating incredibly delicious, standout dishes, but for teaching in a way that feels fun, approachable, and inspiring.
Every recipe we learned was thoughtfully curated and packed with flavor, reflecting her deep knowledge of regional cuisines. What made the experience truly special, though, was how she brought each dish to life with stories from her travels. She shared insights into the origins of ingredients, cultural traditions, and cooking techniques in a way that was both engaging and easy to understand.
Her energy is warm, lively, and genuinely entertaining. She creates an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in the kitchen, she meets you where you are and makes the entire experience enjoyable and memorable.
This isn’t just a cooking lesson, it’s an immersive culinary experience that turns any gathering into something truly special. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn, laugh, and enjoy exceptional food all at once.
Nathalie
Chef Shawnie's experience spans multiple cuisines. She loves to share stories about Wanderlust Tours, a boutique culinary travel company she founded in 2008, which takes you on a trip to hands-on villa cooking classes and regional culinary workshops - from teaching pasta-making in Italy to preparing seafood in France. Her friendly and approachable personality are an added bonus to welcome into your home.
Gary
I can’t say enough great things about Chef Shawnie! I first met her back in 2017 when she led a private cooking class for me and about 20 friends, and from the moment we met, we instantly hit it off. She has such a warm, engaging personality and an incredible ability to make everyone feel comfortable.
What really sets Shawnie apart is how she balances fun and learning. Her classes are lively and entertaining, but never intimidating. She creates an environment where everyone, no matter their skill level, feels welcome and confident participating. Whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced in the kitchen, you’ll walk away having learned something new and having had a fantastic time.
Since that first experience, I’ve attended several more of her classes, and each one has been just as enjoyable as the last. She even hosted a private event at my home, where all of my guests got to jump in and be part of the cooking experience.
At this point, it’s safe to say I’m a huge fan, and I have no doubt you will be too. If you’re looking for a unique, interactive, and truly memorable experience, I highly recommend Chef Shawnie for your next party or event!
Sarah
Chef Shawnie is the best – fun, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and all-around chef superstar. I have had the privilege of attending various cooking classes with her and cooked with her side-by-side at a villa in Tuscany, where we made amazing, memorable meals. I make recipes from Shawnie all of the time!
JoAnne
Shawnie is an extraordinary chef and teacher. I've taken multiple cooking classes by Shawnie at 3 different venues over the years and always learned new things and had just a wonderful time. I've referred her to several of my corporate clients looking for a fun activity for their employees. As a social cook and home entertainer, it takes a lot to impress me and I have always been impressed with Shawnie's people and cooking skills!
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