Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez

Such a great experience from start to finish. We picked up fresh ingredients at the market and were transported comfortably in an air-conditioned van. We made Mole Amarillo, two salsas, Memelitas, and Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza, and the whole class was very hands-on. Minerva was great, and honestly, the experience was everything you would hope for in a traditional Oaxacan cooking class. Also, a big thank you to Sandy, our translator, and Minerva’s assistant Elena, who were both so kind and generous throughout the experience.

I did a fair bit of research trying to find which would be the most authentic mole cooking experience. I'm very glad that we selected this one as right from the beginning we were picked up at the meeting location in an air conditioned bus, went to the market to select all of the ingredients that we were about to use to prepare the mole and then drove out to the countryside to a beautifully authentic home where we proceeded to get step by step instructions on how to make a beautiful mole negro. The experience was professional and authentic, end to end a great day. Would highly recommend.

This "class" was everything you'd expect a great cooking class to be. Fun, informative and hands on. Our host was a wonderful and patient guide. Just getting a feel for moving the soft, freshly pressed, masa from the press to the comal and then flipping it without burning your hand! We learned to make a variety of classics including a woderful mole and two spectacular salsas, all to be consumed later in the afternoon. The market experience (the largest in Oaxaca!) was wonderful as well. If you want to learn some of the basics of Mexican cuisine, and you want a master to teach you, this is the class for you. What a blast!

Such a cozy experience that I wouldn’t imagine not doing while visiting Oaxaca. Learning the traditions around cooking mole and being able to take this home with us is exactly what we were looking for.

We had a good time learning to make the best mole from an expert!

Talent- patient and educational. I loved my opportunity to learn from Minerva and her family/staff. The market trip was definitely a highlight, too. One of my favorite markets ever!

It was the best experience of the whole trip to Mexico, Doña Minerva is incredible. She is an amazing chef, strong woman and she uses food to employ women and help them by building an amazing community and sharing her huge knowledge with foreigners like us. It’s the best experience to both learn new dishes, learn about local culture and also support a female owned business and community. I will remember this day forever.

Minerva is a great exponent of authentic Oaxacan cuisine. She and her family greet you in their kitchen with great kindness, having taken a tour of the supply center to buy the ingredients needed to prepare the meal. Foreigners have a good translator who not only translates them but also explains the local context. Excellent food, everyone participates and everyone enjoys the cooking. The transport very good and with air conditioning. Highly recommended.

Minerva is an accomplished cook who is well known in the community. Our translator Amy was excellent sharing with group many cultural aspects of not only preparing mole but also life in the local area. The setting is Minerva’s lovely garden and outdoor cooking area. (outside of town about 20 min.)

we were 4 adults, all foodies and experienced cooks, who totally enjoyed this excellent hands on class to learn the techniques and components for creating a delicious molé. This is a family presentation passing along what they have learned growing up in their family. this class would appeal to a person at any level of kitchen skill. we all learned and appreciated the sharing of ideas.