Welcome to the University of Grandma’s Kitchen: Tradition, Soul, and the Art of Scratch Cooking

If you walk into my kitchen on any given day, you won't find mechanical shortcuts, high-tech kitchen gadgets trying to do the work for you, or processed shortcuts. What you’ll find is a rolling pin, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, flour on the counter, and a deep respect for how food used to be made—and how it should be made.

Everything I do under the banner of Shef Shaun’s Kitchen and the University of Grandma’s Kitchen (UGK) traces back to a very specific place: standing at the elbows of both of my grandmothers, learning the sacred geometry of scratch cooking starting when I was just six years old.

They didn't teach me shortcuts. They taught me patience, instinct, balance, and how to cook with soul.

Where UGK Started: Reclaiming the Craft

Over the years—through professional kitchens, catering, writing cookbooks like Soul in the Citi, and teaching thousands of home cooks—I noticed a troubling trend. We were losing touch with the physical craft of cooking. People had become dependent on boxes, bags, and automated appliances that disconnected them from the actual process of feeding the people they love.

I founded the University of Grandma’s Kitchen to change that.

UGK isn't just about following a recipe card; it’s an immersive culinary institution built to revive foundational techniques. Whether we’re rolling out handmade pasta from scratch without an extender, mastering braised meats, or understanding the chemistry of a proper roux, UGK is about handing the power back to the home cook. When you join a UGK class, you aren't just watching a demo—you are stepping into a lineage of tradition. You are learning the why behind the food, ensuring that these invaluable culinary arts aren't lost to convenience.

Where We Are Going: A Movement of Home Cooks

What started as an intimate, local teaching concept has grown into a vibrant digital and live community. From our recent community workshops to our digital meal guides like Unbig My Back, and now our interactive virtual masterclasses, UGK is expanding into a nationwide movement of home cooks who refuse to settle for mediocre food.

We are building a space where home cooks can gather around a screen, pour a glass of wine, and transform their kitchens into artisanal workshops. And we are only just getting started.

What’s Next: The UGK Holiday Masterclass Series 🍂🥧

As the air gets crisp and we head into the final stretch of the year, the kitchen becomes the emotional center of the home. Holiday entertaining is right around the corner, and nobody wants to spend the holidays stressed out over dry turkey, boxed side dishes, or store-bought desserts that lack soul.

To help you absolutely steal the show this holiday season, I am rolling out the UGK Traditional Holiday Series, dropping very soon!

Here is a sneak peek at what’s coming down the pipeline:

• Thanksgiving Sides Masterclass: Learn how to elevate your holiday table with scratch-made, soul-infused sides that will have everyone fighting for the leftovers.

• Grandma’s Legendary Pound Cake: Master the exact crust, crumb, and rich butter flavor that makes a true Southern scratch pound cake unforgettable.

• Buttercream Frosting & Layer Cake Mastery: Take the guesswork out of baking and learn how to build, stack, and frost multi-layer scratch cakes like a seasoned pastry chef.

• And More!

Join the Movement

Our upcoming Handmade Pasta Masterclass on October 21st is already turning heads, and these holiday classes are expected to fill up just as quickly.

Keep your eyes on your inbox and our class page to secure your spot the moment registration opens. Let’s take back our kitchens, honor the traditions that raised us, and make every single meal a masterpiece.

With flavor and soul,

Shef Shaun

Founder, University of Grandma’s Kitchen