Tamale Cooking Class with El Molcajete Sauces

Tamale Cooking Class with El Molcajete Sauces

October 16

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Guests will enjoy handcrafted mezcal margaritas throughout the class, along with refreshing

non-alcoholic aguas frescas made with seasonal fruits and herbs. After the cooking experience,

everyone will sit down together to enjoy a family-style meal featuring the tamales prepared

during class paired with authentic sauces and traditional sides.

Experience the rich traditions of Mexican tamale making in this hands-on cooking class

featuring both corn husk and banana leaf tamales. Guests will learn authentic techniques,

explore regional flavors, and create delicious handmade tamales using traditional sauces from

El Molcajete Sauces.

Perfect for beginners, families, couples, and food lovers, this class celebrates culture,

community, and the comforting flavors of homemade Mexican cuisine.

Step-by-Step Class Experience

1. Welcome Cocktail & Cultural Introduction

Guests are welcomed with:

● Mezcal margaritas crafted with citrus and fresh ingredients

● Seasonal aguas frescas such as hibiscus, watermelon, cucumber lime, or pineapple mint

Participants will enjoy an introduction to the history of tamales across Mexico and Latin America,

including:

● Corn husk tamales

● Banana leaf tamales from southern Mexico and Central America

2. Preparing the Wrappers

Students will prepare both traditional tamale wrappers

Corn Husks

● Soak and soften husks

● Prepare them for folding and steaming

Banana Leaves

● Trim and warm banana leaves

● Learn how banana leaves add aroma and moisture

Guests continue enjoying beverages throughout the class in a relaxed social atmosphere.

3. Making the Masa

Participants will:

● Mix masa with broth and seasonings

● Learn the secrets to fluffy tamales

● Explore differences between masa for corn husk and banana leaf tamales

4. Preparing Traditional Fillings

Using authentic flavors from El Molcajete Sauces, guests will prepare fillings such as:

● Chicken in green tomatillo sauce

● Pork in red chile sauce

● Roasted vegetables and cheese

● Optional sweet tamale filling

5. Assembling the Tamales

Guests receive step-by-step instruction on:

● Spreading masa

● Filling and folding corn husk tamales

● Wrapping banana leaf tamales into traditional packets

This interactive portion encourages conversation, teamwork, and shared cooking traditions.

6. Steaming & Cooking

Participants will:

● Arrange tamales in steamers

● Learn cooking techniques and timing

● Understand how to identify when tamales are fully cooked

7. Family-Style Dinner

After the class, everyone gathers around the table to enjoy:

● Freshly steamed tamales

● Signature El Molcajete sauces

● Traditional sides and garnishes

Additional mezcal margaritas and aguas frescas will be available during the meal, creating a

warm and festive dining experience.

8. Recipes & Take-Home Skills

Each guest leaves with:

● Printed recipes

● Tamale wrapping techniques

● Sauce pairing ideas

● Inspiration to recreate the experience at home

This immersive class blends authentic Mexican cooking, handcrafted beverages, and cultural

storytelling into a memorable culinary experience.

Photo Consent:

We love sharing photos from our workshops on social media and in our marketing materials. By attending this event, you consent to being photographed. If you prefer not to be included in photos, please let our staff know at check-in.

Parking & Location:

You can find general parking in the gravel lot. An ADA parking pad is available south of the Farm house. The classroom is located in the white building with the black trim west of the gardens. Check in at the Farm store in the front of the building.

Address: Prairie Fruits Farm Classroom, 4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL