With over 20 years of kitchen experience, Chef Karen has done it all, from earning culinary degrees in pastry and restaurant management to working with Michelin-star chefs. She began cooking Southern soul food at age seven and now owns and operates her own catering company. She's even prepared gourmet dishes for A-listers and celebrity clients! It's all part of Chef Karen's mission of, "Building a greater community one smile at a time."
Master the techniques to make pillowy soft tamales from a world-class chef.
Learn the history and time-honored methods behind the tamale in this hands-on cooking class with Chef Karen. See and taste for yourself the versatility of masa as you craft savory and sweet tamales.
Begin by making the classic combo of tortilla chips and fresh guacamole studded with jalapeños and cilantro. Next, break into small groups to hand-mix masa dough and press it into corn husks for chicken tamales served alongside homemade Mexican rice. For dessert, a rich chocolate-filled tamale will wrap up class on a sweet note.
Guests are welcome to provide wine and beer to enjoy during the class.
Your Menu
Homemade Guacamole and Tortilla Chips
With avocados, red onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime and spices
Roasted Chicken Tamales
With masa, onions, aleppo pepper and spices
Vegetable Mexican Rice
With onions, peppers, tomato paste, butter and spices
Chocolate Tamales
With masa, cream and butter
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if noted prior to the event. Please mention this in the message field when you submit your booking request as adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
No prior cooking experience needed
All ingredients and equipment are provided
Dietary accommodations available upon request
Private classes available for groups and special events
With over 20 years of kitchen experience, Chef Karen has done it all, from earning culinary degrees in pastry and restaurant management to working with Michelin-star chefs. She began cooking Southern soul food at age seven and now owns and operates her own catering company. She's even prepared gourmet dishes for A-listers and celebrity clients! It's all part of Chef Karen's mission of, "Building a greater community one smile at a time."
Chef Karen gave us an unforgettable, hands-on experience learning the art of making tamales. From whipping the masa to filling, folding, and carefully wrapping each one, she made the entire process approachable, meaningful, and so much fun.
We loved every part of it — especially frying our own tortilla chips and making fresh guacamole from scratch! It was interactive, delicious, and surprisingly empowering to create everything ourselves.
Chef Karen’s patience, warmth, and passion for sharing tradition truly shined. She didn’t just teach recipes — she shared culture, stories, and heart. The kitchen was filled with laughter, incredible aromas, and genuine connection.
We were also celebrating a birthday, and when she sang a soulful birthday song to our friend Yvette, it was pure magic. Such a beautiful, personal touch that made the day even more special.
We left with new skills, full hearts, and very happy stomachs. Highly recommend Chef Karen to anyone looking for an authentic, fun, and memorable culinary experience!
— Arlene
Lorna C.
We loved Chef Karen. Tamales were okay.
Travis P.
Chef Karen was great! She came prepared and organized. She communicated clearly with us before the class about what to expect. We did the tamale class and had a lot of fun. The food was tasty and we gained a new skill. She even serenaded us with "Happy Birthday" as this class was a birthday gift. We are already talking about when we might want to do another class or who we know that might enjoy one.
Brenna T.
Amazing! Great food. Great company. Overall recommended.
Lorelei Macomber .
We live Chef Karen she is a great teacher and chef.
Andrea C.
Chef Karen was awesome! She came with all the supplies, good energy, and made it a really special experience! Would definitely recommend and invite her over again!
Michael L.
Karen was a fantastic teacher. We did the tamale class and found it both informative and fun. Looking forward to putting my new cooking skills to work!
Darren O.
Chef Karen had great energy, she’s a real down to earth person. You’re a friend 10 minutes into meeting her. She’s also a great cook.
Oriana L.
Lovely evening, thank you Karen!!
Lilian L.
She's sweet, fun, thoughtful, generous, and knows all the 80s music, so we sang together while cooking. We chose to tip her in cash
Meghna M.
We ABSOLUTELY LOVED having Chef Karen come over and help us make a delicious meal. She was so prepared and worked well with everything we already had in our kitchen. We not only enjoyed cooking and eating the delicious meal, but have so much great food leftover that we're enjoying throughout the week. She went above and beyond to make the experience special for us, bringing special candles, flowers, and singing so beautifully for my husband's birthday (Yes! She is a talented chef AND singer). Chef Karen was so generous, giving us her special seasoning and bringing us homemade lemonade. We had so much fun getting to know Chef Karen and will 100% reach back out for future occasions.
Kristi M.
Great class!
Julie G.
Karen came to our home and was so professional, on time and organized upon arrival we were immediately impressed. She has such an amazing way about her and her class, the food turned out amazing. Karen has a gift and natural skill of cooking and making it fun for all! We would absolutely have her do another class for us in the future.
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(10)
Verified guest reviews for other classes with Chef Karen
Amber G.
Booked the class
Handcrafted Italian Meal
with Chef Karen
Our office had an amazing time at our Italian cooking class! Chef Karen is not only a fantastic chef but also an engaging and fun instructor. She taught us so many useful cooking techniques and delicious recipes, and there was never a dull moment. Whether you're an experienced cook or a complete beginner, you're sure to have a wonderful time. I highly recommend Chef Karen!
Chuck L.
Booked the class
Taste of Greek Coast
with Chef Karen
Karen was amazing, my wife and I had a terrific time learning all the tips and tricks cooking some impressive greek food. You can learn so much cooking alongside Karen, she's knowledgeable, prepared, and above all she made it fun! The chicken was seasoned to PERFECTION and the dessert was AMAZING. Would 100% cook with Karen again, we highly recommend her!!
Angela G.
Booked the class
Baking Classics
with Chef Karen
This was a wonderfully fun day cooking with Chef Karen. We made fancy deviled eggs, a tart tatin, tiramisu, and cannoli. My husband was quite happy to come home to an array of delicious foods!
Hannah K.
Booked the class
French Fine Dining At Home
with Chef Karen
Chef Karen made us French onion soup, steak, and crepes with ice cream. The highlight was the steak, perfectly cooked and the sauce was delicious. She was friendly, left the kitchen very clean, and left us some yummy leftover sauces. We’ll be hiring her again!
Elizabeth E.
Booked the class
Flavors of Thailand
with Chef Karen
Had a fantastic time learning from Chef Karen! It was like cooking with an old friend and we learned some new recipes and techniques that we will definitely use again. Our anniversary meal was amazing and I could not recommend Chef Karen more!
Karen D.
Booked the class
Handcrafted Italian Meal
with Chef Karen
Chef Karen is pure delight and clearly loves what she does! Her teaching style invites the budding culinary student into the process, which is exactly what I wanted to experience! I look forward to learning more from Chef Karen! T h a n k you so much, Chef!
Jeanne S.
Booked the class
Handcrafted Italian Meal
with Chef Karen
Had a wonderful experience with Chef Karen! The food was packed with flavor and melted in your mouth! I was in Heaven
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(4)
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