A Taste of Peru

Important Note: If you have been to one of our cooking classes before then you can only select a 'general admission' ticket. If sold out - add your name to the wait list. Do not purchase a 'First time attendee' ticket unless you are a first time attendee at a Taste of... event. Thank you!

Learn to make some delicious food from Peru, then sit down and enjoy it with others! 

Your host will be Vanessa Clarke from Lima, Peru. Vanessa moved to the United States in 2007 and then moved with her family to Methven in 2024. Under Vanessa’s guidance, attendees will make and enjoy eating:

• Pollo Saltado:  Peruvian-style chicken stir-fried with onion, tomato and soy sauce, served with rice and crispy French fries. A very popular dish and a great example of the cultural diversity of Peruvian cuisine. It has strong Chinese-Peruvian (Chifa) influences, which developed after Chinese immigrants arrived in Peru in the 19th century. Chinese cooking techniques, particularly stir-frying, were combined with Peruvian ingredients and flavours.

• Mazamorra Morada: A traditional Peruvian purple corn dessert made with purple corn, fruit and warming spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Purple corn (maíz morado) is an ancient Peruvian ingredient that has been cultivated in the Andes for thousands of years. Mazamorra Morada is a much-loved dessert in Peru and is commonly enjoyed at family gatherings and celebrations.

Vanessa has chosen foods that are part of everyday cooking in Peru and what she grew up enjoying with her family. She is excited to share not only the food but also Peruvian culture and family traditions.

Why not come along - get some new recipe ideas, learn about another country and enjoy a lovely meal together with others!

Limited to 12 people so get in quick.

This event is one in a series of 'A Taste of... ' cooking classes organised by Keep Learning Mid Canterbury and the Mid Canterbury Newcomers Network. It is also part of Mental Health Awareness Week and enables people to Connect, one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing. The other events Keep Learning Mid Canterbury is organising to promote the 5 Ways to Wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week are:

• Phone Photography (Keep Learning), Tuesday October 13 @ 5.30pm

• Give Rugby a Go (Be Active), Wednesday October 14 @ 6pm

• Kindness Rocks (Give), Thursday October 15 @ 4.30pm

• Sketching in Nature (Take Notice) October 16 @1pm