SANTA FE FOOD TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Traditional New Mexican Christmas in Santa Fe: Tamales, Posole and Bizcochitos
A three-hour demonstration class in Santa Fe that presents Red Chile & Pork Tamales, Poblano & Corn Tamales, hearty posole, calabacitas and the state cookie, Bizcochitos.
A Traditional New Mexican Christmas in Santa Fe: Tamales, Posole and Bizcochitos.
In Santa Fe, holiday cuisine is a gathering of flavors and lineage. This three-hour demonstration class places you in the center of that tradition: chefs from the Santa Fe School of Cooking lead a seasonal session that traces techniques and recipes for New Mexican holiday staples, and concludes with generous tastings that capture the sights, smells and communal spirit of a Southwestern Christmas.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Tamale Techniques and Red Chile
Learn how Red Chile & Pork Tamales and Poblano & Corn Tamales are assembled and paired with classic red chile sauce as chefs demonstrate time‑honored methods and seasonal variations.
Hearty Posole and Calabacitas
The menu includes a holiday posole—served with green chile sauce—and calabacitas, offering a full sense of the savory dishes that anchor New Mexican holiday tables.
Bizcochitos: New Mexico’s State Cookie
The class finishes with Bizcochitos, the state cookie, rounding the demonstration with the sweet, anise‑accented tradition that closes many New Mexican celebrations.
What the day feels like
What to Expect
Expect a focused, three‑hour demonstration where Santa Fe School of Cooking chefs guide you through recipes, techniques and holiday traditions. The session covers tamales (both pork with red chile and poblano & corn varieties), red chile sauce, a hearty holiday posole with green chile sauce, calabacitas and Bizcochitos, with generous tastings woven through the presentation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this class suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience is offered as a three‑hour demonstration class focused on traditional New Mexican holiday cuisine.
Review any operator guidance before arrival; the session is a demonstration and includes generous tastings.
Operator: Santa Fe School of Cooking. Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico. The session covers a full menu of holiday dishes and concludes with the state cookie, Bizcochitos.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the class?
The demonstration class runs three hours.
What dishes are covered?
The class covers Red Chile & Pork Tamales, Poblano & Corn Tamales with red chile sauce, hearty holiday posole with green chile sauce, calabacitas, and Bizcochitos.
Is this a hands‑on class?
No—the format is a demonstration class led by chefs, with generous tastings rather than participant‑led cooking.
Who operates the class?
The Santa Fe School of Cooking operates the Traditional New Mexican Christmas demonstration class.
Will I taste the finished dishes?
Yes. The class includes generous tastings of the dishes demonstrated.
Does the class focus on holiday traditions?
Yes. The session centers on time‑honored New Mexican holiday recipes and the traditions that bring families and communities together during the season.