In this class, participants will learn the fundamental skills of making sweet, flavored tamales from scratch. From dry maize to delicious warm corn husk wrapped tamales. During this hands-on class, you will learn the different stages of preparing your own masa by learning how to nixtamalize dry maize, grind, and prepare a sweet vegan chocolate masa. Participants will get to taste the fluffy cake–like tamales and take some home if you do not eat them all in class. Special guest, Marlene Aguilar of Irekuarhikua.

ABOUT THE COCINERA

Marlene Aguilar, is Xicana and of P’urhepecha descent, born and raised in Tongva territory (in what is now known as East Los Angeles, CA) with roots in the inter-mountain valley region of Michoacán, Mexico. As a community-based cocinera, she draws inspiration from her campesin@ family, but has also been shaped by her work in different food equity programs, specifically CSAs (community supported agriculture). She is founder of the food project, IREKUARHIKUA, which aims to offer seasonally inspired affordable plant-based meals while highlighting the resilience of indigenous foods. Her project is currently offering a meal prep service like comida corrida from fondas or cocinas económicas found throughout Mexico. 

TAMAL SERIES 

Tamal or tamalli in Nahuatl, is a beautiful bundle of corn masa filled with many diverse types of ingredients and varies in size and shape depending on the Mexican state. Tamales are eaten in times of celebration and are a way to pay homage to ancestors. Today, tamaladas are a holiday tradition where families come together and create food and make memories. In this hands-on cooking class series, students will keep this laborious tradition alive by learning how to prepare masa, make a filling, and learn to fill and fold using corn husks or banana leaves as wrappers. 

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Parking
Planning your visit? Explore parking options near LA Plaza:
Option 1: LA Plaza Village
Address: 555 N. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012
*This parking lot is closest to Buffalo Wild Wings on Spring St. and Cesar Chavez Ave. If needed, this is ADA friendly and has ramps and elevator access to the underground lot.
Cost: $3.50 every 15 min, $18 max

Option 2: LA Plaza Parking Lot
Address: 171 Arcadia St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cost: $20 Flat Fee (Mon–Fri); $15 Flat Fee (Weekends). Fees might change during holidays or special occasions.

Arrival
Please allow time to arrive early to find parking. Classes have a 5-10 minute late window but will start promptly after that time.

Dress Code
We highly encourage that attendees wear closed-toe shoes when attending an active cooking class.

Photo and Media Consent
By participating in this program, you consent to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes using photographs taken of you for advertising, promotional, and marketing purposes.

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