At Rice & Spice Cooking, I’m passionate about sharing the rich culinary traditions of Spain and Catalunya. I believe food has a unique ability to bring people together, and my goal is to create warm, memorable experiences that inspire, delight, and connect.

I'm Nicole, an American who's called Spain home since 2007. After 15 years of teaching English, I found a way to combine my love of teaching with my deep passion for cooking. What began as a series of Southern US soul food pop-up dinners in my living room evolved into a new professional path. In 2020, I graduated from the Michelin-accredited Hofmann Culinary School in Barcelona. That’s where I refined my skills in Spanish and Catalan cuisine, including the beloved local dishes paella and fideuà, which I first learned to cook when I moved here. I returned to Hofmann in 2022 to complete a specialized rice course, diving even deeper into the art of Spain’s iconic rice dishes.

Today, I host intimate, hands-on cooking classes from my home in Barcelona, with sessions held on my sunny terrace, a relaxed and inviting space perfect for learning, tasting, and connecting. I love welcoming guests from around the world and sharing the flavors, stories, and techniques behind each dish. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, I look forward to sharing the joy of the kitchen with you.