Is this class suitable for beginners?

Absolutely; the demonstration is designed so guests of all cooking levels can follow and learn.

Are the ingredients locally sourced?

Yes, Chef Frank emphasizes using traditional, regional ingredients to maintain authenticity.

Can I take the recipe packet home?

Yes, every participant receives a detailed recipe packet to recreate dishes at home.

Is this a hands-on cooking class?

This is primarily a demonstration class, but guests watch closely and can ask questions throughout.

Where is the class located in Santa Fe?

The exact location is provided upon booking; it is centrally located for easy access.

Are there any dietary accommodations?

Advance notice allows the chef to accommodate most dietary restrictions where possible.

Discover Native American Culinary Heritage in Santa Fe: Hands-On Cooking with Award-Winning Chef Lois Ellen Frank | Food Tour

Santa Fe, New Mexico, sits at the crossroads of rich cultural legacies and vibrant culinary traditions. One standout experience here is the Native American II Demonstration Class, a captivating three-hour journey into the flavors and heritage of indigenous cuisine, led by award-winning chef Lois Ellen Frank. This immersive cooking demonstration takes you beyond the typical culinary tour, inviting you to connect deeply with the foodways that have shaped the Southwest for centuries.

This class highlights the distinctive combination of ingredients that define Native American cooking, focusing especially on the iconic clay baked trout seasoned with fresh herbs and bacon. Complemented by sautéed rainbow chard, wild rice, and a sweet berry crisp, the meal reflects a balanced harmony between earth, water, and the region’s seasonal bounty. Chef Frank’s expertise brings authenticity and insightful storytelling, weaving historical context with hands-on preparation.

What sets this class apart in Santa Fe’s outdoor recreation and culinary scene is its intimate demonstration style. Participants witness traditional cooking techniques firsthand while sampling each course, with ample opportunity to ask questions and learn practical culinary skills. The provided recipe packet ensures that guests can recreate these distinctive dishes at home, preserving the cultural legacy beyond the kitchen.

Situated in Santa Fe, this class is perfect for travelers looking to deepen their understanding of the region’s indigenous heritage alongside a broader outdoor adventure itinerary. After a day exploring the Sangre de Cristo Mountains or the scenic trails around the city, this culinary experience offers a fresh way to connect with place through flavor.

Santa Fe itself, founded in 1610 and famous for adobe architecture, art galleries, and vibrant markets, lends an ideal backdrop to this educational and flavorful excursion. The fusion of historic influences and natural ingredients creates a unique destination for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

By participating in this class, you support preservation of Native American culinary arts and promote sustainability by valuing traditional, locally sourced ingredients. This is an opportunity not only to savor exceptional food but also to honor the living history of the Southwest’s first peoples.

Whether you are a seasoned home chef or a curious traveler, the Native American II cooking class in Santa Fe offers an unforgettable encounter with land, culture, and cuisine that enriches any outdoor adventure experience in New Mexico.

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.