I dream that some day, I’ll find the time and the good fortune to attend some specialty cooking classes from some well known chefs or great regional cooking schools.

We’re in Santa Fe for the day and of course, I scurry over the the Santa Fe School of Cooking. As I ascend the stairs, I’m overwhelmed with the tantalizing aroma of fresh roasting chiles.  Like Pavlov’s dogs, I am in full drool by the time I reach the top of the stairs. The class is full and if I want to hang around, someone may drop out of a class in the next few days. Fat chance of that happening- I just need to plan better. While I’m there, I go through the market store and acquire a few necessary items. I can get them online but I enjoy handling the merchandise first hand.

The Santa Fe School of Cooking offers a variety of classes that showcase seasonal specialties as well as the basics of Southwest Cuisine. If you plan on being in the area, make your trip more memorable than just the trinkets you bring home. The experience is a fun way to show your friends you have what it takes to make a true Southwest style meal.