Empanada Making Class in Buenos Aires

This was not just a cooking class. This was an experience learning about shopping in a market, learning about Argentinian culture and way of life, and making delicious food. It was a really special experience.

Sheri is the perfect host. Great cook & exceptional conversationalist. This experience is now a great memory.

We had a great time cooking with Shirl. Visiting the market to purchase food for cooking was very interesting. We all were involved in every aspect of cooking. Flipping the crepe-like pancake into the air to turn it over was lots fun. Everyone in class had a great time and the food was excellent if I say so myself!

We had a great time in this cooking class! Shir was a great instructor and delightful to spend the afternoon with. We included the shopping trip and enjoyed seeing the local market. I would definitely recommend adding on the market shopping, though keep in mind that it will make for a longer class (I think we stayed until around 4 or 5pm). I recommend eating a big breakfast or grabbing a light lunch before you go to class; though there are snacks, the empanadas aren't ready until the very end. And they are very filling, so you'll be set for a late Argentinian dinner. We made two types of empanada filling (corn and beef) the empanada dough, and a crepe-like pancake that is served with dulce de leche. There is a fair amount of chopping and it goes faster if most of your group is handy in the kitchen. Shir and her partner also provided great insight into local customs and were happy to provide recommendations for dining and shopping. This was a great experience, and we even got to take home a recipe booklet so we can relive the delicious Argentinian cuisine.

It began with a trip to one of the few traditional markets in Buenos Aires, what we call a "wet market" back home. It is what I'd expect of a wet market, except many stalls were closed due to the holiday season. For example, not a single fishmonger was working that day, and fishmongers are apparently rare in Buenos Aires due to the relative lack of seafood in Argentinian cuisine. Then we went to her cozy home with the wonderful balcony we couldn't use due to the rain, and she began the cooking class. Free WiFi is provided in her home. She was very friendly and we had a great time throughout the class and food tasting. A brief explanation is given for everything, including the customs involved in drinking mate, and she answered all my questions regarding Argentinian culture and life in general, including different types empanadas, wines, asado, dulce de leche, and etc.

Couldn't recommend this cooking class with Shirley enough. From start to finish everything exceeded our expectations. The food and wine was exceptional as was the lovely Shirley who stayed hosting us well over our time and answering our endless questions. Such a lovely a taster of Beunos Aires in terms of food and the people for our first day.