Argentina Cooking: Learn to cook the local's way
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In-Person Cooking Class
Starting at US$ 75 per person
Check the COVID-19 health and safety measures
Learn to cook empanadas (dough and filling from scratch) in a local's home. Experience the culture and culinary traditions.
Taste mate, alfajores, and malbec red wine.
Tue to Fri, start at 10 am (3 hours)Shared class - groups up to 6 people.
Private class available on request.
Online Cooking Class
Starting at US$ 35 per connection
Cook side by side with me through a high-quality video call. I adapt to your pace and guide you through each step of the process while sharing my best tips for great results.Choose from a variety of curated recipes: dulce de leche cookies (alfajores), empanadas, cheese bread (chipá), and more.Enjoy on your own or share with distributed family, friends, or colleagues. It also makes a great gift experience!Open class - small groups guaranteed.
Private class available.
(Temporarily not available)
Cooking Class & Historic Market
Starting at US$ 85 per person
Guided 1-hour visit to a 130-year old gastronomic market ("Mercado del Progreso").
Learn to cook empanadas (dough and fillings from scratch) in a local's home. Experience the culture and culinary traditions.
Taste mate, alfajores, and malbec red wine.
Tue to Fri, start at 10 am (5 hours)Shared class - groups up to 6 people.
Reviews
About
I’m a passionate teacher and food enthusiast, I love both eating and cooking great food and I enjoy traveling, learning new things and meeting new people.I think getting a grasp on traditional cuisine is a unique way to get to know the history and the culture of a place and its people. I want you to have an experience that is fun and where you can learn about Argentine's customs from a local's point of view.My work experience is in the education field, I have a degree in Social Communication and I’m a professor. I’ve decided to combine my love for teaching and cooking by making my kitchen the classroom. Ever since I was little I loved watching grownups cook, that’s why most of the recipes I’ll teach you I learnt from my parents and my grandma. I invite you into my home to share a delicious and typical Argentinian meal.
~ Shir
In-person Cooking Class
COVID-19 health and safety measures- The experience is only offered for small groups up to 6 people. Private class available on request.
- It is mandatory to wear a mask at all times during the experience and respect social distancing guidelines.
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers.
- Upon arrival there will be a temperature check.
- In case you present any COVID-19 related symptoms, the experience will be cancelled and the money refunded.
Once you arrive at my home, you will taste and learn the rituals surrounding our famous hot beverage "mate" and alfajores. Then we’ll start off with the cooking class: you'll make empanadas, both the dough and the filling from scratch. After we are done cooking, as a starter we will have a typical picada, consisting of a charcuterie board. Finally, we’ll enjoy the meal we’ve prepared together paired with Malbec red wine and great conversation. You’ll get to try an Argentine classic dessert.I'll accompany you on each and every step of the way, showing you the proper techniques and explaining a little bit of the history of the dishes and the different culinary traditions in the country. A fully hands-on experience!What's included
- Mate & Alfajores
- Charcuterie board
- Empanadas
- Classic Argentine cake
- Malbec red wine
- Bottled water
- Coffee/Tea
- CookwareWhat to bring
✓ Desire to get your hands dirty
✓ Empty stomach
✓ Be ready to enjoy yourselfAdditional information
✓ The class is limited to 6 people, so it’s always a small group.
✓ For private classes I may be able to accommodate more than 6 people, please ask me using the booking form.Meeting point
José Bonifacio & Emilio Mitre, Caballito, CABA
You can easily get here by metro (line A), bus, or Uber/Taxi.Date and Time
Tuesday to Friday, start at 10 am (3 hours)Price
- 1 person: US$ 85
- 2-6 people: US$ 75 each
Online Guided Cooking Class
I bring you curated recipes which we will cook side by side through a video call, so you can follow along and make delicious food that looks and tastes just like mine. This is not a demonstration and it’s definitely not a typical massive online class streaming: it is an interactive class where I adapt to your pace and guide you through each step of the process while sharing my best tips for great results.All classes have high quality audio and video with accurate color reproduction, allowing you to get a clear view of how each step needs to look like. My setup consists of two cameras: a wide view and high-quality close-up view.Classes can be private or shared; in all classes groups remain small to ensure an effective and fun learning experience. You can take the class by yourself, enjoy it with your partner or family, or share it with friends and relatives in other locations. A special class for kids is also available.
- Private Class: closed group, choose your own schedule, recipes can be customized.
- Shared Class: open group, pre-scheduled. You can check the availability on my Instagram: argentinacooking.
_Getting the right colors 🎨 is key for an online cooking class. This is why before each class I test the lights and colors and set up the two cameras accordingly.
_
Recipes Available
| Recipe | Duration | Private class price | Shared class price, per connection | Ingredients and Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empanadas: Savory pastry turnovers | 3 hours | $ 119 (*) | $ 39 | List |
| Alfajores Marplatenses: Dulce de Leche sandwich cookies with Chocolate coating | 3 hours (1 hour break included) | $ 119 (*) | $ 39 | List |
| Alfajores de Maicena: Traditional Dulce de Leche sandwich cookies | 2 hours | $ 99 (*) | $ 35 | List |
| Challah: Jewish braided bread | 1.5 hours (allow for a total 3.5-hour span for proofing and baking) | $ 99 (*) | $ 35 | List |
| Chipá: Cheese bread balls | 1.5 hours | $ 99 (*) | $ 35 | List |
Prices are in USD and do not include ingredients, which you will need to procure on your own.*(*) Private classes include one connection. Each additional connection costs $ 15. *Coming soonContact me if you are interested in any of the following:- Argentinian cuisine: butter bread (figazas de manteca), spanish omelette (tortilla de papa), chicken with green onions (pollo al verdeo), yellow rice and chicken (arroz a la valenciana), lentil stew (guiso de lentejas), fainá (chickpea flatbread), tiramisú, meat sauces: chimichurri, criolla, provenzal.
- Jewish cuisine: pletzalej (pastrami sandwich bread with onions and poppy seeds), muhammara (roasted peppers and walnuts dip), babaganoush (smoked eggplants dip), hummus (chickpeas and tahini dip), pita bread (pocket style flatbread), tabule (bulgur and veggies salad), leicaj (honey cake), latkes (potato pancakes).
Requirements
- An Internet-enabled device where you can use the video conferencing app Zoom, ideally a laptop or tablet. I do not recommend using a mobile phone because the video quality will get reduced, but if that’s all you have, we’ll make it work :) Just make sure you have the recipe at hand, which will contain photos to aid you in the process.
- A kitchen space with basic cooking equipment. Some recipes may require special equipment, be sure to check the recipe details for more information.
- Ingredients. If you choose the All-Inclusive experience, I will have the ingredients shipped to you so you don’t have to worry. Otherwise, you will need to procure them yourself. In that case, I’ll help you get the right ingredients.
Pictures from participants
Alfajores de Maicena (Argentinian Dulce de Leche Cookies)
“Shir’s class is engaging, easy to follow and ends with some pretty yummy alfajores. She is such a warm person who is easy to talk to, and she is able to pitch the class to any cooking or baking skill levels.” - Noah and Michael, Melbourne, Australia
About the RecipeA very traditional and delicious Argentinian sandwich cookie filled with Dulce de Leche that is easy to make regardless of your cooking skills (anyone can do it!).- Class duration: 2 hours
- Yields ~3.3 pounds (1.5kg), 20-25 alfajores. Enough to share with friends and family or eat for many days :)Ingredients and Equipment Needed: See details.Price
- Private class: USD 99 (one Zoom connection included). USD 15 per additional Zoom connection.
- Shared class: USD 35 per Zoom connection.
- Corporate: (contact me)The pricing does not include ingredients, which you will need to procure on your own. I will provide a detailed list and will help you pick the right ingredients.
Empanadas (Savory Pastry turnover)
“Shir is a wonderful teacher and makes her class fun. The instructions she sends beforehand are very clear and made it easy to follow her patient lead during the online class. And my empanadas turned out great!” - Elizabeth from Austin, USA
About the RecipeThis is a very traditional Argentinian pastry turnover filled with savory ingredients. In the class you will learn to make two fillings, which could be: beef, chicken, cheese and onion, corn, caprese, and ham and cheese.- Class duration: 3 hours
- Yields: 12 empanadas (~1.5 kg = 3.3 pounds), serves 4 people.Ingredients and Equipment Needed: See details.Price
- Private class: USD 119 (one Zoom connection included). USD 15 per additional Zoom connection.
- Shared class: USD 39 per Zoom connection.
- Corporate: (contact me)The pricing does not include ingredients, which you will need to procure on your own. I will provide a detailed list and will help you pick the right ingredients.
Chipá (Cheese Bread)
“Shirl is a fabulous cook. Her recipes are delicious & she gives clear instructions on how to cook them. If you have an opportunity to take her class you’re belly will be so grateful.” - Cynthia, Cleveland, USA"Awesome way to experience Argentinian cooking with an expert from the comfort of your own home. Invaluable way to feel connected with people from all over the world during this pandemic." - Victoria, Pittsburgh, USA
About the RecipeA traditional cheese bread 🧀 eaten in Argentina, with a gooey cheesy interior. Delicious! We normally eat them accompanied by mate for merienda (our afternoon snack time).- Class duration: 1.5 hours
- Yields: 25 chipá balls (~1 kg = 2 pounds)Ingredients and Equipment Needed: See details.Price
- Private class: USD 89 (one Zoom connection included). USD 15 per additional Zoom connection.
- Shared class: USD 29 per Zoom connection.
- Corporate: (contact me)The pricing does not include ingredients, which you will need to procure on your own. I will provide a detailed list and will help you pick the right ingredients.
Alfajores Marplatenses (Dulce de Leche Cookies with Chocolate Coating)
“The class was so well structured. Shir’s use of two cameras allowed us to easily see what she was doing and compare her dough to ours. The video and audio quality were great. The alfajores were so delicious and were really fun to make!! The length of the class was perfect, and we had the opportunity to talk about the various kinds of alfajores and just learn more about the whole process. It was amazing!!” - Sheila, New York City, USA
About the RecipeOur most famous sweet: sandwich cookie with Dulce de Leche filling and Chocolate coating. These are a little harder to make than the Alfajores de Maicena, but still accessible to anyone.- Class duration: 3 hours, includes a 1-hour break.
- Yields ~3.3 pounds (1.5kg), 12 alfajores. Enough to share with friends and family or eat for many days :)Ingredients and Equipment Needed: See details.Price
- Private class: USD 119 (one Zoom connection included). USD 15 per additional Zoom connection.
- Shared class: USD 39 per Zoom connection.
- Corporate: (contact me)The pricing does not include ingredients, which you will need to procure on your own. I will provide a detailed list and will help you pick the right ingredients.
Challah (braided Jewish bread)
About the RecipeJewish braided bread, traditionally prepared for Shabbat (Saturdays) and holidays. It's an enriched dough, very fluffy and delicious.- Class duration: 1h 30 min, but allow for a 3.5-hour span in total for proofing and baking. There will be a 30-45min break to allow for the first (out of two) proofing. By the end of the class, you'll have the shaped dough, which you will need to leave to proof and finally bake it on your own. We'll be in touch through chat until your challah is ready.
- Yields ~1.9 pounds (860 grams), 1 big challah or two small ones.Ingredients and Equipment Needed: See details.Price
- Private class: USD 99 (one Zoom connection included). USD 15 per additional Zoom connection.
- Shared class: USD 35 per Zoom connection.
- Corporate: (contact me)The pricing does not include ingredients, which you will need to procure on your own. I will provide a detailed list and will help you pick the right ingredients.
Contact / Book a Class
Note: As of Dec 4th, 2020 the Argentinian authorities have reopened the borders for international tourism. In-person classes are now available again!
IMPORTANT: classes are temporarily suspended until mid 2024 because I will be on maternity leave. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see you another time! Thank you - Shir
Please submit the form below and I will contact you. Once the availability is confirmed, I will send you a payment link. Credit cards (via PayPal) and Zelle are accepted.
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Contact / Book a Class
Thank you for your booking request! I will get in touch as soon as possible.
~ Shir