For a select time each year the Granada Cooking School in this historic centre of Andalusia opens its doors for
invigorating cooking classes to a limited number of students eager to share in the food, wine, and gastronomic culture of
one of Spain's most diverse and vibrant regions. Participants also have the unique option of taking morning Spanish language
classes from neighboring Escuela Carmen de las Cuevas. Guests cook with wild Mediterranean herbs gathered from behind the house, salad greens and vegetables from local markets,
olives from the abudant groves, and prepare unique Mediterranean, Spehardic, and Mozarabic dishes. Included is a field trip
to Europe's highest viticultural region, the up-and-coming D.O. Vinos de la tierra Norte de Granada. The two-week English
language program includes hands-on cooking sessions and seminars in gastronomy led by Vaughn Perret & Charles Leary, PhD,
as well as guided visits to markets, vineyards, shops, and local restaurants. All cooking programs take place in the afternoons,
allowing for morning Spanish classes if desired.
Each day’s program offers something different; the prepared menus shared while taking in views of the Alhambra Palace,
the insider’s guide to the regional production of olives and oil, and cheese, and tastings from the rich selection of
local and regional wines, including the famed Sherries from Jerez and Montilla.
A unique aspect of the two-week program is readings and discussions in Mediterranean food history and culture led
by Perret and Leary, who have pursued advanced studies in history and anthropology.
All instruction is in English. Recipes are geared to the home cook. Guests are supplied with aprons as well as detailed
recipe booklets that are theirs to keep.
The class is limited to 8 guests. The week begins with dinner on Sunday night and ends after lunch on Friday. The fee is
$2,990.00 and includes market visits, all tastings, transportation for local visits, lunches on Wednesdays & Saturdays,
and dinners Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The fee does not include lodging or transportation. (A list of recommended hotels
and apartment rentals is sent to enrolled guests.)
