Cinco de Mayo Cooking Class in Durham: Grilled Shrimp, Carne Asada & Churros at UNH

On a bright spring afternoon in Durham, New Hampshire, the Cinco de Mayo (Hampton) cooking experience transforms Peter Paul College UNH Campus into a neighborhood kitchen filled with smoke, citrus and the clatter of cast-iron. For four hours you'll cook a menu built on direct flame and bold contrasts: smoky grilled shrimp over Boston lettuce with avocado and orange salad, seared carne asada with Spanish rice and a refreshing black-eyed pea salad, and fried churros with chocolate dipping sauce, fresh kiwi and mini bananas for a sweet finish. This hands-on class is designed for home cooks and curious travelers alike. Instructors supply everything needed to prepare the menu and hand out recipes so you can recreate the flavors at home; the only thing not provided is an apron. Stations are wheelchair accessible and the group size is small enough to get individualized tips while still retaining the convivial energy of a shared meal. Technique segments focus on direct grilling, quick citrus vinaigrettes, and a straightforward churro fry that yields crisp shells with tender interiors. What makes this experience special for Durham is how it brings cross-border flavors to a New England college setting, pairing local access with authentic techniques. The menu leans on the bright acidity of orange and avocado to balance deeply charred meat and fried dough, creating textural variety that feels celebratory - an apt way to mark Cinco de Mayo, a date that honors Mexico's victory at the 1862 Battle of Puebla and has become a festive occasion for food and song. Practical notes for planning: the meeting point is Peter Paul College UNH Campus at 10 Garrison Ave, Durham, NH 03824, and the class runs about four hours. Minimum age is 16; the experience can accommodate up to 17 people. Recipes are included, which turns this from a one-night meal into a learned skill. Bring your own apron if you prefer, and wear closed-toe shoes for the kitchen. This offering sits at the intersection of social cooking and culinary technique - ideal for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a hands-on food memory rather than just a restaurant meal. If you're visiting Durham and want to add a flavorful, practical activity to your itinerary, this Cinco de Mayo class delivers fire, flavor, and a few tricks you'll actually use at home. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to claim your station and listen to brief orientation. The class welcomes cooks of varying experience and instructors can suggest substitutions for dietary needs if notified ahead of time. Because everything is provided, this is a low-stress way to learn grilling and frying techniques without special equipment. After class, participants linger to trade recipes and enjoy the communal meal.