Services Provided:                 Demonstration, Hands-On, and Team Building Cooking Classes Book Signings and Special Events

Bringing the flavors of the world into homes and kitchens is Sheilah Kaufman’s greatest gift. As the award-winning author of 26 delectable cookbooks,  a culinary instructor, culinary lecturer, and food editor for more than 40 years, Sheilah has shared her great passion for richly flavored, no-fuss food and cooking with thousands of home chefs across the nation, from Hawaii and Alaska to Maine, and to Mexico. With her expertise in international cuisine, she specializes in teaching students how to entertain with style and ease.


Known by students and home chefs as the spokeswoman for all things “fearless and fussless,” Sheilah brings to the table uniquely refreshing and creative recipes that are practical and easy while maintaining a delicious elegance. With her many helpful hints and tips Sheilah removes the intimidation from cooking and entertaining.  In her books, The Turkish Cookbook Regional Recipes and Stories (Interlink), A Taste of Turkish Cuisine, and Sephardic Israeli Cuisine (Hippocrene Books), Sheilah shares with her readers the deeply beautiful tapestry of Turkish and Israeli food and culture, offering a multitude of delicious and healthful recipes that can easily be re-created in the American home and kitchen.


Few culinary instructors have achieved the culinary versatility that Sheilah has with her books and classes, spanning global cuisine from French and Mexican to Kosher and Mediterranean. Sheilah has taught thousands of students who are endeared by her ability to teach all forms of cooking with humor.

Sheilah demonstrates the ease of entertaining with recipes that usually take about 30 minutes preparation time while achieving stunning results. Recognized as an expert on entertaining, Glamour magazine noted, “If you like to entertain, Sheilah’s Fearless Fussless Cookbook, should be your best friend.”   

A popular cooking instructor Sheilah has taught for La Academie de Cuisine, Sur la Table, Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Metropolitan Food and Entertaining Show, Central Market, Aprons Cooking Schools, Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Cooks Warehouse, In Good Taste, Wegmans,  Kitchen Affairs, and on television shows around the country.

SAMPLING OF PLACES SHEILAH HAS TAUGHT: Epcot Food and Wine Festival Metropolitan Food and Entertaining Show Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation Turkish Festivals around the country Jewish and non-Jewish Book Fairs   DEPARTMENT STORES AND GOURMET STORES: Sur La Table, Washington, Illinois, Va. L’Academie de Cuisine, Md. Cook’s Warehouse, Atlanta, Ga. Chopping Block, Chicago Kitchen Affairs, Indiana In Good Taste, Portland, Oregon Liberty House, Hawaii and California Burdines, Fla. Joskes, Texas Bloomingdales, NY, Mass., MD. Macy’s, NY, PA, California Highbee’s, Ohio   SUPERMARKETS: Aprons, Publix, Fla., Ga. Wegmans, NY Whole Foods, DC, Md. Central Market, Texas Gelsons, Calf. Jungle Jim’s, Ohio Sutton Place Gourmet, Md.        BOOK STORES Barnes and Noble Borders Independent bookstores CRUISE SHIPS AND RIVER BOATS Royal Caribbean Celebrity Delta Queen MUSEUMS: Smithsonian Jewish Museum of Montreal   ORGANIZATIONS: Les Dames d’Escoffier Culinary Historians Slow Foods Brandeis Jewish Federations Hadassah Turkish Embassy Turkish Cultural Centers, Canada, Fla., Seattle

 CLASS STYLES:

• Demonstration- Demonstration-style classes allows students to sit, relax, and watch as Sheilah moves step-by-step through each recipe. There is no hands-on participation by students.
  
  
• Hands-On- With Sheilah's guidance, students assist in preparing recipes and then at the end of the class, they sit down together to enjoy the meal that they've made. This class offers an intimate and highly educational experience gleaned from one-on-one interaction with Sheilah.

DECADENT SENSUOUS CHOCOLATE!

 

Sizzleworks Cooking School

Bellevue, WA 98007

 

April 2012

 

To Whom It May Concern:

As a fellow culinary educator, I am proud to be associated with Sheilah Kaufman. In fact, Sheilah has taught as a guest chef here at Sizzleworks Cooking School and was well received. Her classes were sellouts, her food was devoured from the plates of students, and her books flew off the shelves.

As owner of a recreational cooking school, I take tremendous pride in providing a positive cooking experience for our students, from the front door experience forward. Sheilah always goes the extra mile to bring her food to life for the class, making the recipes easily recreated in a student’s home kitchen. My clientele gives her rave reviews, especially after consuming every scrap of the numerous dishes Sheilah has created with them. And she is always willing to share her knowledge with them, being a very approachable teacher and author.

Sheilah has always focused on giving before getting. She is deeply committed to educating those who want to become better cooks, by helping them to acquire the skills and knowledge to be more successful in the kitchen. Her enthusiasm for teaching is contagious.

I have so enjoyed working with Sheilah, and highly recommend her for any part in your organization. She is thorough and accountable, and will always come through, with a smile and a good word. She is a delight with whom to work.  Carol Dearth, CCP, Master Chef, Owner

 

“Sheilah is a treat! From soup to nuts, she’s a pro. Her cooking classes are fun and fast-paced with recipes and hints you’ll use for years. As for her cookbooks, the wide-range (of topics) fill every need. Sheilah Kaufman is fabulous.” Scotty Hart, Editor WOMEN TODAY Newspaper

 

“Some people are born to cook. Some people are born to teach. Sheilah Kaufman is born to do both. A natural in the kitchen, Ms. Kaufman conducts cooking classes that are both inventive and inviting, sending her students home (‹after they have sampled everything they've cooked) with a sheaf of recipes and delicious food memories.” Sandra Greeley, Food Editor, VEGETARIAN TIMES

 

“Sheilah Kaufman probably has the most devoted following of any of our instructors. Those who have taken one or two classes with her previously are the first on the list when we put her name on the schedule. We enjoy her company, her books, her teaching, and her food!” Kitchen Affairs,  Mike Sackett

"Sheilah has decades of experience and has a wealth of knowledge about all things culinary. I have worked with Sheilah, learned from Sheilah, and have several of Sheilah's cookbooks, and I can tell you that she is tremendously skilled at sharing what she knows. She is an amiable, energetic, and entertaining guide in the world of good food, and I would recommend her as a writer and instructor to anyone who wants to have a lot of fun while learning."  Cynthia Clampitt

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March 24, 2013

Nadine Schneider                                                                                                                                
Associate Director                                                                                                                   

United Jewish Communities

 

 

Dear Nadine,

It was such a pleasure to have Sheilah Kaufman as the speaker at our Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Lion of Judah Outreach Brunch on January 11, 2013. The women thoroughly enjoyed her enlightening presentation of the History of the Jews in Turkey and their culinary traditions. They were delighted to learn so many interesting facts relating to the use of many of the foods and spices we use today and how they originated with the Jews in Turkey. Her pleasant and easy going approach to presenting the information showed a blend of competence, experience and cordiality.

In addition it was a delight to have Sheilah as my house guest the evening before the presentation. We had a wonderful time sharing the preparation of her Red Pepper and Walnut Dip to bring to the tea the next day as an example of one of the many delicious and easy recipes that originated in Turkey. We “cook” well together and it was a lot of fun. The women loved hearing Sheilah’s presentation of this part of Jewish History with its diversity and culture. The ladies enjoyed tasting the dip recipe as well as having one of Sheilah’s cook books to take home with them. It was a wonderful afternoon and I give Sheilah the highest praise.

 

Sincerely,

Sandra J Perkins                                                                                                         

Addison Reserve Community Chairman

Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County

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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I’m delighted to write to you in regard to culinary writer and lecturer Sheilah Kaufman. Over the past forty years, she has more than proven her ability as a prolific writer of cookbooks, a food writer, a lecturer and an instructor. She has, over time, developed a relationship of mutual respect with the Turkish community. Sheilah is the author of two Turkish cookbooks, both of which were written with the Nur Ilkin, wife of a former Turkish Ambassador to the United States. Nur and Sheilah became friends through a diplomatic group both belong to in the Washington, D.C.

 

Sheilah has done extensive research into the history of Turkey and has a strong grasp of not only our cuisine, but our culture. Among her previous experience is speaking to large audiences at the Turkish Embassy, including one program for social studies teachers from all over the state of Maryland. For a number of years she has participated at the Turkish Festival by lecturing on Turkish Cuisine and providing cooking demonstrations. Sheilah received a prestigious accolade from the Turkish community when she was singled out as a woman of distinction by the Daughters of Ataturk. This is an honor that is normally only awarded to Turkish women. They, in a sense, made her one of our own.

 

I’m honored to know this charming, talented woman and highly recommend her as a lecturer on Turkish cuisine.

 

Sincerely,

 

Demet Cabbar, Head of Washington DC Turkish Festival

 

 

Dear Sheilah,

Again, thank you Sheilah for coming.  You were a breath of fresh air.  And, I can't wait to get my hands on the anxiously awaited "blue cookbook".  I will call KC as soon as I finish this. :)   Hope to see you again!  p.s.  I was really glad I attend both sessions - all the rest missed out!  Best wishes,  Patrice Maurer

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Sheilah,

Thanks so much for the delightful class. As a fulltime practicing physician, I feel like you have given me more practical information than years of reading magazines such as Martha, Gourmet, etc. I love the recipes, and am going to try the freezing. I have never had success with freezing before, but am much more confident. I am so anxious to try it for entertaining; this weekend I am doing the soup, with leftovers of course from my first trial of cooking with your recipes.

I hope you come back to Portland soon, I would love to come to another class and bring my mom.  
Ruth

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Hi Sheilah, 

I learned a lot from you and am anxious to try some of your fantastic recipes on my family.  Thanks for sharing your energy and expertise!  I can't wait to share your apricots with my book club.  I can't believe that you actually share your phone number.  You are an awesome lady, if you ever get to Dubuque, Iowa please give ME a call. 

Thanks
Julie Small

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Sheilah,

Arthur and I LOVED the class. Your style was warm and helpful, the general information you gave was practical as well as informative. It seemed to be all new information that you learned from really practicing your art, not something that you read and repeated. You made us feel as though it was a private cooking class, not a commercial venture. Also, the recipes were delightful and I can't wait to try them. Last night we bought all the ingredients for the garlic dip and that's what we are having for dinner tonight (not as an appetizer). I look forward to taking all the classes you give next time you come. Linda Stein

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Sheilah is an absolute delight to work with. She demonstrated recipes from two of her cookbooks and got all of our author-luncheon attendees involved. Her green bean dish and pumpkin empanadas were fabulous. It was great fun for all of the women and staff too! Everyone left with new cookbooks and lots of helpful cooking hints. We would love to have Sheilah return for another event. Marilyn Weintraub, Assistant Director Jewish Federation of Greater San Gabriel & Pomona Valleys 

 

Thank you again so much for Friday afternoon.  Everyone had a wonderful time, and some have even said it was one of the best team activities we’ve had so far! Jasmine Jesnsen, Capital One  (Tax Department Cooking Class Team Building Function)

 

Thank you so much for an outstanding cooking class! That was my first time at Apron's and I am so glad it was with you and your wonderful recipes. I sent out the Kugel and Lamb recipe to several friends and am making both of them for my parents next week!

I hope you return to Sarasota and offer the around the world appetizers.

~Karen~

 

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Sheilah, L'Shana Tova.

Your culinary knowledge is wonderful and the class was great. Making the couscous was -an added bonus. I look forward to the next time you are in Sarasota.

As an aside, I'm co-chair for the fundraising in our temple and would love to do an event with you. What would it take: cost, timing, etc.? Will you be in our area again in the near future? Thanks again,

Susan Kulbersh

 

 

 

September 8, 2011

AVIVA HADASSAH’S  Annual Kickoff Meeting with lecture on The History of the Jews and Chocolate and a chocolate tasting by Sheilah Kaufman, cookbook author, cooking teacher, food editor, and culinary lecturer.

 

DUE TO AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE THIS MEETING IS NOW CLOSED! 
THE ROOM IS OVER CAPACITY AND THERE IS ONLY ROOM FOR THOSE WHO HAVE RSVP - YES BY 9/2.  WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT OUR NEXT MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4.  

Aviva's kick-off meeting of the year

with special guest

Sheilah Kaufman

History of Jews and Chocolate: A Love Story

Enjoy learning the connection between Jews and chocolate from a delightful and renowned cooking instructor, cookbook author (26 cookbooks), culinary lecturer, and food editor. 

"Over the years, Ms. Kaufman has earned a name for herself as a "chef extraordinaire" with her uniquely refreshing, creative yet practical approach that demystifies gourmet cooking."

Aviva Group of Greater Washington Chapter of Hadassah

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September 26, 2011

 

 

Dear Sheilah,

 

What a treat, figuratively and literally!  Thank you for presenting such an interesting talk at Aviva’s opening meeting this month.  Clearly, the topic of Chocolate and the Jewish Connection was a draw.  We normally expect forty women and sixty plus responded positively.  As you know, we actually had to close the e-vite when we reached capacity in the Potomac Park party room! 

Our members enjoyed learning about the history of chocolate and its properties as well as how involved Jewish traders and manufacturers were in the world of chocolate.  Your knowledge of the dual subject was quite impressive.   I’m sure the women were pleased to have access to your notes and recipes on our e-Blast.   There was no doubt that the chocolate tastings and treats on the buffet were a hit. I’ve never seen so many around the table at one time!  Those who risked the dangers of the storm that night were richly rewarded.

Sherry Kabran and Helene Kahan

Co Presidents of Aviva Group of Greater Washington Chapter of Hadassah

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October 25, 2011

Helene Smith

Congregation Beth El Sisterhood

Norfolk, VA 23517

 

Sheilah, regarding your program on History of the Jews and Chocolate (with dinner and a chocolate tasting) I have to tell you:

“I went to the temple today to start our next project and we discussed last evening and everyone had had positive feedback.  this was the largest crowd that we have had and it was a success because of you.  what a wonderful history lesson on jews and chocolate.  of course everyone loved the chocolate and by the amount of pounds that we ate you can vouch for that!!

 

Please keep in touch and thank you again for making the journey to norfolk. 
Helene

 

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October 29, 2010

Dear Sheilah,

I can't thank you enough for the wonderful program you did for our congregation on October 23, 2010.  The Chocolate Lover's Delight was indeed delightful.  Your discussion of the history of chocolate and of the involvement of Jews in the development of the chocolate industry was informative and entertaining.  Your explanation of the characteristics of chocolate and guide to tasting was the perfect lead in to the actual sampling of the gourmet chocolates you provided.  And, of course, the samples of the chocolate desserts that you allowed me to assist you in preparing ahead of time in the comfort and convenience of your own home kitchen were delicious.  All in all, the program was a huge hit with those who attended.  I am still receiving compliments and kudos from our members.  Indeed, one of the attendees was so impressed she told her mother all about it and now her mother is interested in having you do a program at Leisure World Retirement Community. 

 

In closing, I just want to say that it was an absolute pleasure working with you.  Your warmth and kindness are matched by your professionalism and readiness to do whatever it takes to present a successful program.  I hope that we will have a chance to do another program in the near future.  Again, I can't thank you enough!

 

Sincerely,

Hillary Finkel   

Oseh Shalom Congregation.  www.oseh-shalom.org. 
7515 Olive Branch Way, Laurel, MD 20707 | tel. 301-498-5151

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Dear Sheilah:

I want to thank you so very much on behalf of myself and the Valencia Pointe Cancer Research Unit.

The cooking class and luncheon that you so generously provided for us on June 7th, was a rave success.  All the participants not only learned wonderful and useful cooking techniques from you, but they also shared in the delectable food that you prepared.

You managed to make the presentation so enjoyable because of your warm personality and your delightful stories of all the exotic places you have visited.

The food became more meaningful and memorable. 

They would all love to participate again in any class you choose to present.

Again, many thanks.  Sharon Goodhart