Spanish Language School

The Baja California Language College proudly presents a Mexican cooking class for anyone who delights in preparing fresh and authentic Mexican food.

This is more than a Mexican cooking demonstration. It is a full fledged, hands-on, interactive and totally participatory Mexican cooking workshop.

Mexican Chef and Spanish instructor Edith Alvarado welcomes you into her kitchen to share her passion of Mexican cooking. Edith, a native of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, has over 26 years experience as a professional chef in Mexico. She specializes in the preparation of dozens of local, national and traditional Oaxacan favorites.

Workshop participants learn to prepare a variety of Mexican delicacies such as chiles rellenos, camarones al mojo de ajo and specialty sopas and salsas . Students learn to make masa and prepare hand made tortillas for quesadillas, huaraches, tacos, burritos or enchiladas. A different menu is featured each week.

The Saturday workshops begins at 9:00AM with participants gathering in Edith’s kitchen for a brief orientation and a light breakfast. Some fundamental Spanish vocabulary is covered and the ingredients needed for the days recipes will be determined. After the lists are compiled, students split into groups and venture off to various Ensenada mercados to purchase the items needed for the day’s meals. All groups are assigned a Mexican guide to accompany them in the city. After all the ingredients have been gathered, the groups return to the college for the preparation. The workshop concludes at about 3:00PM.

Each Saturday workshop is limited to 8 students. Participants may join other students or put together their own group.

All food preparation is done in Edith’s kitchen at the College.

Beer, wine and liquor may be purchased off-campus and brought to the workshop. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the workshop tuition.

Each participant should bring a notebook and a pen or pencil. A Spanish/English dictionary can be useful, but is not mandatory.

Workshop attendees do not have to be enrolled in the Spanish immersion program at the College. They only need to have a desire to learn to produce delicious Mexican food and possess fundamental kitchen skills. Some knowledge of Spanish is certainly handy, but not a prerequisite for registration.

2007 Cooking Workshop Schedule

The total cost of the Saturday workshop is $99.00 USD.

To register, interested parties must complete an online application and mail in a non-refundable deposit of $40.00 per applicant. This non-refundable deposit must be received at least one week prior to the enrollment date. If the class fills before your deposit is received, it will be mailed back to you. The balance of $59.00 is to be paid at the Saturday orientation. This balance it to be paid in US cash only. No credit cards, travelers checks or personal checks will be accepted.

Group Discount “Buy-Out”

If you have a group of 6 or fewer who love Mexican food, you can “buy-out” a Cooking Workshop for just $500.00. You and your amigos will have exclusive access to the magic Edith brings to the kitchen. You will, in effect, “shut-out” others from enrolling while you enjoy your private cooking adventure.

Groups that “buy-out” a Cooking Workshop may create their own specialty menu in advance. This option works particularly well in accommodating those who have specific dietary requirements. Requests for vegan, vegetarian, low sodium, low fat, Atkins and South Beach menus can be accommodated.

To “buy-out” a Mexican Cooking Workshop, a non-refundable deposit of $200.00 must be received in the US office at least one week prior to the enrollment date.

The $300.00 balance is to be paid upon arrival at the Saturday orientation. This balance is to be paid in US cash only. No credit cards, traveler’s checks or personal checks will be accepted.

The Baja California Language College does not offer the homestay option to workshop participants unless they are currently enrolled in the Spanish immersion program. The College will help you coordinate lodging in Ensenada by recommending hotels based on your requirements and price range.

Tuition Summary

The $40.00 deposit can be made by check, money order or US currency.

The balance of $59.00 is to be paid in cash only upon your arrival on Saturday morning.

No credit cards or checks will be accepted to pay the balance.