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Flavors of Spain: A Virtual Cooking Series with Chef Stephen Forman

AARP

Published February 05, 2025

Three women stand around a stainless steel kitchen island preparing food together in a modern kitchen with a tiled backsplash.

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AARP New York is excited to present Flavors of Spain, a three‑part virtual cooking experience led by Chef Stephen Forman, a Certified Executive Chef, educator, and mentor with more than 30 years of culinary and professional kitchen experience. This series invites participants to explore Spain’s vibrant food culture — from iconic dishes to regional traditions — all through live, interactive instruction.

No recipes will be provided in advance. Instead, participants will learn techniques, tips, and cultural background directly from Chef Steve during each live session.

Three Tuesdays in February | 4:00–5:30 p.m. E.T. | Free Virtual Series

🍽️ Meet Chef Stephen Forman: Certified Executive Chef, Educator & Mentor

Chef Stephen Forman brings decades of experience to the AARP New York kitchen. His background includes:

Certified Executive Chef

Essentials in Leadership certification from Cornell University
Mentorship certification from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
Extensive leadership in high‑volume professional kitchens
Training in traditional and classical culinary techniques

Chef Steve’s classes go beyond cooking — they offer guidance on culinary skills, leadership development, soft skills, and real‑world insights from his professional journey. His instructional style is immersive, supportive, and designed for all skill levels.

🌿 A Nutrition‑Forward Approach

Throughout the series, Chef Steve incorporates healthy cooking practices without compromising flavor. Each session features options and tips related to:

🧂 Low‑Salt / No‑Salt preparation
🍬 Low‑Sugar / No‑Sugar alternatives
🥑 Low‑Fat / No‑Fat cooking methods
🍇 Antioxidant‑rich ingredients
🌿 Whole foods and clean cooking

Participants will learn how to make delicious meals tailored to a variety of dietary needs — all while enjoying the bold flavors of Spanish cuisine.

The Three‑Part Series

Session 1: Paella

An overhead shot of a large, rustic pan filled with yellow seafood paella, garnished with whole shrimp, mussels, clams, and lemon wedges, served on a marble table next to a basket of bread and glasses of white wine.

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📅 Tuesday, February 10, 2026
⏰ 4:00–5:30 p.m. E.T.

Start your journey with one of Spain’s most iconic dishes as Chef Steve guides you through the traditions, flavors, and key techniques behind authentic paella.

Registration link: https://events.aarp.org/FlavorsofSpain0210

Session 2: Tapas

An overhead view of a round table with a blue and white patterned tile top, covered with various tapas dishes including meatballs in sauce, shrimp, shishito peppers, olives, and bread with tomato.

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📅 Tuesday, February 17, 2026
⏰ 4:00–5:30 p.m. E.T.

Tapas bring people together. In this session, Chef Steve explores their history and demonstrates classic, nutrition‑conscious preparations using wholesome, flavorful ingredients.

Registration link: https://events.aarp.org/FlavorsOfSpain0217

Session 3 — Gazpacho & Artisan Crackers

A large, black clay pot filled with a steaming orange seafood stew topped with fresh cilantro sits on a grey counter, accompanied by a small bowl of white rice and a side plate with a lime and cherry tomatoes.

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📅 Tuesday, February 24, 2026
⏰ 4:00–5:30 p.m. E.T.

The series concludes with traditional Spanish gazpacho and handmade artisan crackers, featuring knife skills, whole‑food techniques, and smart, flavorful cooking methods.

Registration link: https://events.aarp.org/FlavorsOfSpain0224

Stay Connected with AARP New York:

Discover more events and opportunities to engage with AARP New York and your community by visiting aarp.org/local.