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A Christmas Feast

December 20 - 27

Space Limited: Register now for 2010 & 2011

Celebrating Mexico's Culinary Traditions

Our Christmas workshop showcases the pre-Hispanic roots of Mexican cuisine, with an emphasis on the continuity of ancient techniques and flavors in the contemporary Mexican kitchen.

This weeklong gourmet experience begins in Mexico City on December 20th with a curated dinner at one of Cocinar's affiliated restaurants, and accommodation at La Casona, a renovated mansion in trendy Condesa. After breakfast the next morning, participants will tour the colonial neighborhood of Coyoacán, with a stop at the home of painter Frida Kahlo and a visit to one of the city's famous covered markets. From there we travel by air-conditioned van to the lush village of Tepoztlán, an hour from the capital in the foothills of the great volcanoes, for six days of celebration, hands-on cooking classes, and visits to the homes and studios of local artists and crafts people. Participants choose their accommodation from an array of possibilities that include the luxurious suites of the Posada del Tepozteco to smaller hotels and B & B's or homestays with local families.

Cooking with village women in Cocinar's exquisite outdoor kitchen, participants will make tortillas, tamales, moles and pipián, as well as the chile-based sauces and appetizers for which the country is known. Along with our Chiles 101 and Margaritas 101, this workshop also features our popular Tale of Two Moles, in which two different moles are prepared and seasoned in the days leading up to Christmas. In between cooking sessions, the group will enjoy excursions to the local pyramid and the art museums of nearby Cuernavaca, as well join in the traditional processions that culminate on Christmas Eve. Following a private art history talk and candelight Christmas Eve dinner, the group will join our neighbors as they converge for outdoor Mass in the main churchyard.

After three days of hands-on workshops, we prepare our very own Christmas banquet, when the two moles return as the centerpiece of a spectacular contemporary meal. A day trip to the silver city of Taxco or the ancient citadel of Xochicalco completes this novel cultural and culinary experience. Our vans return you to the Mexico City airport after breakfast on the morning of the 27th.

Our holiday session is open to children twelve and older as full participants. Daycare is required for younger ones, but everyone will join in the piñata parties and caroling that make this such a special time of year in Mexico.