Do I need prior cooking experience for this class?

No prior experience is required. The class is designed for all skill levels and includes step-by-step guidance.

Is the class suitable for dietary restrictions or allergies?

Yes, but please notify the school in advance so they can accommodate your specific dietary needs.

How many people are in each private group?

Private classes are customized for your group size, typically from 2 to 12 guests.

Will I get to eat the dishes we prepare?

Absolutely! Enjoy the full meal you help prepare during the experience.

Is parking available at the venue?

Parking is limited nearby but there are several public parking options within a short walk.

Can this experience be gifted or shared as a voucher?

Yes, gift certificates are available and make excellent presents for food lovers.

Southwest Holiday Cooking Experience in Santa Fe

Celebrate the holiday season with a unique culinary adventure at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. This private experience offers a Southwest-inspired menu that will elevate your festive dinner to memorable heights. You'll start with a vibrant kale salad featuring seasoned pecans and dried cranberries, perfectly balancing freshness and crunch. The centerpiece is a richly flavored beef tenderloin, rubbed with a blend of chile, cinnamon, and coffee, delivering bold, fragrant spice. Accompanying sides include creamy whipped parsnip potatoes and sesame-seasoned carrots, adding smoothness and a touch of sweetness to the plate. For dessert, indulge in a pumpkin crème brûlée infused with ginger, a creative twist on a classic treat that combines warmth and spice. Alongside hands-on instruction from expert chefs, you’ll learn tips and techniques to bring the spirit of the Southwest into your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a holiday host looking for new inspiration, this experience is both educational and delicious. Perfectly located in Santa Fe, this culinary journey offers an authentic taste of New Mexico's flavors and traditions, adding an unforgettable touch to your season's celebration.

About Santa Fe School of Cooking

Santa Fe School of Cooking is a culinary education and event company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The school offers a diverse schedule of hands-on and demonstration cooking classes, themed dinners, and collaborative musical dining events. Classes range from technique-focused demonstrations to hands-on sessions that teach traditional New Mexican, Mexican, and border-region recipes. Students learn dishes such as chilaquiles, corn pudding, cream of green chile soup, carne tampiqueña, tacos al pastor, and salsa macha, and explore ingredients like achiote, lime, apricot, eggplant, and green chile.

The school partners with local venues and cultural organizations to present unique dinner concerts and festival collaborations. Featured events include jazz evenings at Dave’s Jazz Bistro with performers such as Delbert Anderson, Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim with the John Rangel Trio, Robby Beasley, Dr. Chris Buckholz, Eddie Daniels, and Lee Musiker. The program has also collaborated with the Santa Fe Indian Market and the New Mexico Jazz Festival, pairing live music and poetry with menus inspired by Native culinary traditions.

Instruction is led by experienced chefs and culinary professionals who design curated menus for holiday dinners, healthy seasonal menus, vegetarian offerings, and culturally rooted tasting menus. The school emphasizes authentic regional flavors, practical techniques, and convivial dining experiences. Visitors and students can expect clear instruction, thoughtfully sourced recipes, and opportunities to taste and take home new skills. Santa Fe School of Cooking focuses on culinary education, cultural connection, and memorable food-centered events. Classes accommodate home cooks and visiting travelers seeking authentic regional cooking experiences and techniques.