Southwest Sizzle . . .

New Mexican cooking is a style all its own, not to be confused with Tex Mex, Mexican, Native American, or other variations on the theme. It has its own unique flavors and the green chile itself can become an obsession (says one who knows!). So what to do if you DO crave New Mexican food and you live far from its source? Take advantage of your next visit to Santa Fe and sign up for a hands-on cooking experience at the SANTA FE SCHOOL OF COOKING on West San Francisco Street. They are educational, informative, and just plain fun—and the whole family can join in!

Just a sampling of classes include A Day in the Country of Northern New Mexico: Farms and Vineyard Tour, New World Tapas, Wine Maker’s Cooking series, , Simply Santa Fe, Chile Amor, Restaurant Walking Tours, Salsas, and the Contemporary Southwest series. There are also classes on Native American and Mexican foods. Students get involved in the process, learn about authentic ingredients, sit down together for a well earned, mouth-watering meal, and take home the recipes. Full descriptions of all of the classes and prices (with a calendar at the bottom) can be found at: http://santafeschoolofcooking.com/Cooking_Classes/Class_Descriptions.

There is also a market at the school where you can pick up ingredients not available in your community that you discover you just can’t live without. At the website you can order a range of products plus download recipes to try on your own. Happy eating!

-- Rosemary Carstens

http://www.carstenscommunications.com/