Update: The October 19th class has already sold out but there is now an additional class on October 26.
Many folks in Tucson are aware of Matilde Santa Cruz, and those who don’t think they know her have likely seen the crowd hovering around her booth at Tucson Meet Yourself. At the annual event, she’s been making flour tortillas over a mesquite fire for more than 20 years — chances are you’ve eaten her handmade treasures.
Santa Cruz is known for making tamales, too, which is not an easy task. It requires precision, patience, and a lot of hands-on work. From perfectly spreading the masa to mastering the art of wrapping them in husks, it takes real skill to get them just right.
Now’s your chance to learn from the master herself.
At 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, learn “Everything You Wanted to Know about Making Tamales” during a hands-on class with Santa Cruz.
Due to high demand, Santa Cruz added this second date because the original October 19th class sold out quickly.
In partnership with Slow Food Southern Arizona, you’ll learn her techniques for filling, folding, and steaming those delicious bundles. They will also serve lunch — tamales, beans, rice, and pico de gallo, along with horchata and pina colada, all prepared by Santa Cruz. After lunch, you will receive a half-dozen prepared tamales as well as your own attempts at rolling a few.
Tickets to the class are $35 per person and you’ll need to buy them in advance. You can get your tickets online, and the event’s location will be revealed after purchase.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit slowfoodsouthernaz.org. The location of the hands-on class will be revealed after you reserve your seat.
About Slow Food Southern Arizona
Slow Food Southern Arizona is an organization dedicated to preserving the region’s food culture while promoting sustainability and fairness in the food system. They’re all about celebrating local traditions, advocating for food justice, and connecting people through events that highlight the rich agricultural heritage of Southern Arizona.
Whether they’re hosting a farm-to-table feast or supporting local producers, Slow Food Southern Arizona is all about savoring every bite while making a positive impact on the community.
Get your tickets soon! Space is limited.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
