Mole Cooking Class & Dinner Party

El Molcajete Sauces cooking class is an immersive culinary experience where we learn to prepare traditional dishes from Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most renowned food regions. During the class, we'll work directly with chef Ernesto to create various dishes using fresh, authentic ingredients.

Held at Atelier by elliestyled in downtown Highland Park, a boutique event venue. elliestyled is a luxury event design company known for creating magical experiences through the art of tablescape design.

Guests are greeted with a mezcal cocktail (or mocktail) and antojitos before diving into the kitchen.

1 Introduction to Ingredients: The class typically begins with a brief introduction to the key ingredients used in Oaxacan cooking, such as mole, tlayudas (Oaxacan-style tortillas), chilies, corn, cacao, and herbs.

2 Hands-On Preparation: We will get our hands dirty as we prepare several Oaxacan dishes, starting with basics like grinding spices and chilies using a molcajete (a traditional stone mortar and pestle). We will learn how to make mole from scratch, grilled veggies and make your own salad dressing.

3 Cooking Techniques: The chef will guide us through traditional cooking methods such as roasting ingredients on a comal (griddle), grinding ingredients using a metate (meaning stone) We will be taught how to work with masa (corn dough) to create authentic Oaxacan tortillas.

4 Tasting and Pairing: Sit down to a curated table by elliestyled. Florals and candles will acompany the colorful flavors coming out of the kitchen. We will enjoy a plated dinner that we prepared together, pairing the food with Oaxacan mezcal drinks or fresh fruit aguas frescas.

5 Cultural Insights: Throughout the class, the chef will share stories and cultural insights about Oaxacan food traditions, the history behind specific dishes, and how food plays a central role in family and community life in Oaxaca.

By the end of the class, we will leave with new cooking skills, recipes to recreate at home, and a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of Oaxaca.

Host or Publisher elliestyled