cookbook

the first book…

…to bring the richness and authenticity of the foods of Mexico’s 25 major, national holidays and festivals, from the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe AND Carnaval to Cinco de Mayo.

A "cultural cookbook”, Celebraciones Mexicanas offers insight into Mexican life and provides more than 200 original recipes AND 40+ complete menus. appropriate for those seeking basic knowledge of Mexican cooking and customs as well as aficionados of Mexican cuisine.

Praise for Celebraciones Mexicanas

“I like to think I have an educated impression of Mexico but reading Celebraciones Mexicanas makes it clear how much I didn’t know before I read the book. You can use it as a reference piece, but if you’re like me, you’ll want to read every word from the beginning and not miss one delicious detail. Both the fiesta and the food are put into context and I get the feeling this will become a treasured family heirloom for those who remember and for those who want to start celebrating a la Mexicana. /Steve Sando, founder, Rancho Gordo New World Specialty Food; author of The Heirloom Beans Grower's Guide and Supper at Rancho Gordo

“To talk about Mexican food is to look well beyond what is actually prepared and consumed to what can be described as “a way of life on plate.” It means embracing cultural practices and shared knowledge that are the common root of Mexico’s gastronomy, extensive and diverse, passed along from generation to generation without recipes but through practice alone. Celebraciones Mexicanas disseminates these practices, traditions, and recipes and in doing so makes an important contribution to traditions of the great nation that is Mexico.”/Enrique Farjeat, assessor, Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomy; representative to UNESCO’s recognition ceremony honoring the addition of Mexican Cuisine to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity

Co-authored with Adriana Almazan Lahl.

Below: Making Pescado Pibil en Hoja de Platano/Banana Leaf-wrapped Fish Yucatan-Style

tres señoritas gourmet

Tres Señoritas Gourmet is a boutique Mexican catering company. We've been in business since 2003, serving Mexican haute cuisine and traditional artisanal fare to the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Executive Chef Andrea Lawson Gray also offers Mexican cooking classes and "Learn-Cook-Eat" dinners.

*mexican cooking classes

• be sure to check our my virtual cooking classes for easy-to-follow videos. Learn to make Tamal de Cazuela (tamale in a casserole) and my signature Molcajete Caesar Salad.

Our Learn-Cook-Eat events are currently suspended. Be sure to check back, when it is safe we will start up again. These classes are designed for small group (from 6-25 is usual). The format can be to "Learn, Cook Eat", where we prepare a meal together and you and your friends and family dine afterwards, or a "Learn and Eat", where we prepare the meal as you watch (and maybe takes notes!), with the option for a meal to follow.

Classes are always custom-designed, based on the skill level of the group and personal tastes and preferences.

LEARN TO: Make handmade tortillas

• Prepare artisanal salsas

• Work with chiles

• Make adobados, Mexico's famous marinades

• Cook Frijoles de Olla (Mexican Claypot Beans)

• Advanced classes include Mole, Chiles en Nogada, Flan, Tres Leche Cake, making tamales (see photo below)

OPTIONS & EXTRAS:

• All lessons come with original recipes handout from my book, Celebraciones Mexicanas: History, Traditions and Recipes.

Prices start at $135/person which includes all ingredients; minimum $1200, ask for special pricing for larger groups. We can help you secure a professional kitchen (additional cost applies) or host your class at your home or office if space and equipment allow.

COOKING CLASS curricula 

• 1. SALSAS & STREET FOOD

  Learn to make cooked and fresh salsas, handmade tortillas, Sopes, and Guacamole, and finish with a light meal of Mexican street food favorites. 1.5-2 hours. 

  2. ADOBADOS & CHORIZO

  Making an adobado is the basis for seasoning your favorite taco fillings, marinading meat, and fish: Carne Asada and Pollo Adobado (Chicken in Adobo Marinade). With a twist, the same technique results in Chorizo, Mexican sausage. Your lesson ends with a dinner of Carne Asada, Pollo Adobado, and/or Chorizo con Papas (with potatoes). Dinner will be served with Rancho Gordo Frijole de Olla (Mexican Claypot Beans), handmade tortillas, salad, and dessert. 2 hours. 

  EXTENDED LESSON (1 & 2) 3.5-5 hours. $165+ / Person

  3. TAMALES

• Start with freshly-milled masa and learn to make tamales. Choose chicken or vegetarian filling.

• 4. PLATOS FUERTES

  Choose between Chiles Rellenos, Pollo o Pescado Pibil en Hoja de Platano/Banana Leaf-wrapped Chicken or Fish Yucatan-Style, Albondigas/Mexican Meatballs (see photos below), Tinga de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Fricasse). Dinner will be served with Frijole de Olla (Mexican Claypot Beans), handmade tortillas, salad and dessert. 2-3 hours. 

  ** pricing per person varies with guest count and final menu