Verified chef

21 Reviews

Driven by a deep passion for culinary creativity, Chef Elena brings the joy of baking to enthusiastic home cooks and food lovers alike. Specializing in a unique blend of global flavors, she combines her Mexican heritage, Jewish traditions and classic French techniques to create delicious breads and pastries. Chef Elenaâ€™s classes are all about hands-on learning, where she inspires students to explore new flavors, unleash their creativity and gain confidence in the kitchen. Her goal is to make each cooking experience engaging, memorable and bursting with flavor, leaving guests excited to recreate the magic at home.

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Chef Credentials

On Cozymeal since 2024

schooling

Centro Superior de Hosteleria de Galicia
Ambrosia Centro Culinario
Universidad del Valle de Mexico

certifications

Restaurant Management and Food Preparation
Mexican and French Baking Certificate
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

publications

Bon Appetit Magazine "Flourless Chocolate Cake With Café de Olla Ganache"
Chicago Magazine "Jewish-Mexican Pastries Are Here, and They Are Excellent"
Forbes "50 Latinas Who Are Innovating To Sustainably, And Deliciously, Feed The World"

appearances

Collaborated with Nespresso

philosophy

“Empowering you to cook fearlessly, connect deeply, and have fun in the kitchen.”

What are you looking for?

Cooking Classes

Private Chef Meals

Cooking Classes WITH Chef Elena

Phoenix Cooking Class: Sweet Breads and Rolls

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CHEF TRAVELS TO YOU

Chef Credentials

On Cozymeal since 2024

schooling

Centro Superior de Hosteleria de Galicia
Ambrosia Centro Culinario
Universidad del Valle de Mexico

certifications

Restaurant Management and Food Preparation
Mexican and French Baking Certificate
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

publications

Bon Appetit Magazine "Flourless Chocolate Cake With Café de Olla Ganache"
Chicago Magazine "Jewish-Mexican Pastries Are Here, and They Are Excellent"
Forbes "50 Latinas Who Are Innovating To Sustainably, And Deliciously, Feed The World"

appearances

Collaborated with Nespresso

philosophy

“Empowering you to cook fearlessly, connect deeply, and have fun in the kitchen.”

Private Chef Meals WITH Chef Elena

Phoenix Private Chef Meal: Herb & Citrus Infused Mediterranean Fare

CHEF TRAVELS TO YOU

Herb & Citrus Infused Mediterranean Fare

$129 each

Private Chef Meal

$129

Explore refreshing dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. This private chef meal offers a delightful journey into Mediterranean flavors that will awaken your senses. Chef Elena will create a vibrant menu inspired by fresh ingredients and traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Begin with a comforting roasted...

From Garden to Gourmet Dinner

$139 each

Private Chef Meal

$139

Savor the best of seasonal produce with farm-fresh flavors. This private chef meal invites you to savor the joy of fresh, seasonal ingredients with a bit of coastal French influence. Chef Elena will craft a menu that highlights vibrant flavors and wholesome Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Begin with a colorful...

Feast of Italian Cuisine

$129 each

Private Chef Meal

$129

Experience the heart of Italian cuisine with authentic recipes and flavors. Step into this private chef meal where the essence of light Italian cooking comes alive. Chef Elena will prepare a fresh, seasonal four-course menu inspired by spring and summer flavors. Begin with ricotta and tomato bruschetta on...

Bright Mediterranean Feast

$129 each

Private Chef Meal

$129

Delight in a fresh menu inspired by the sun-kissed coasts of the Mediterranean. This private chef meal invites you to relax and enjoy a bountiful feast with family and friends. Set your worries aside as Chef Elena handles all the prep and clean-up while you dine in comfort and style. Enjoy tender honey-roasted...

What Guests Are Saying About These Experiences With Chef Elena

James H.

01/18/2026

My wife and I went for a nice evening cclass. It was perfect. Elena is vibrant and friendly. We made two different types of bread. We had our hands in the dough and spreading out ingredients every step of the way. Cannot recommend this class enough.

Artisan Bread Bakes Review Photo from Cooking Class in Phoenix

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Glenn .

08/16/2025

My wife and I had a wonderful time at this class. Neither of us had ever made pastry from scratch before, but Elena broke down the process while explaining the theory behind each step in a way that made it feel simple and achievable. Everything we made tasted incredible, and we took away enough knowledge that we feel pretty confident we could make our own pastry at home now.

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Sarah C.

07/27/2025

Chef Elena was fantastic! She explained the cooking processes clearly and was very personable and fun! I highly recommend you take one of her classes.

Crafting Flaky Pastry Creations Review Photo from Cooking Class in Phoenix

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Holley B.

03/14/2025

Chef Elena's bread class was fantastic! My daughter and I attended while I was in town visiting for a fun, hands on adventure. Chef Elena did a great job with explaining the details of each process, and the important tips to remember. The class was engaging and very collaborative which allowed everyone to partake in the process of bread making. Most importantly... the bread was amazing and so delicious - yet easy enough for us to feel confident to go home and try baking it ourselves.

Artisan Bread Bakes Review Photo from Cooking Class in Scottsdale

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Heidi O.

03/10/2025

Elena did a great job. We learned some tips and the recipes were scrumptious. I would recommend her for future classes.

Sweet Breads and Rolls Review Photo from Cooking Class in Scottsdale

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Lauren B.

04/18/2026

We did the savory artisan bread class with Elena and had the best time. She was so patient with our group and such a great teacher! Loved how she explained all the mechanics behind bread making and how to be successful with dough every time. Would recommend any class or offering she has available!

Erika Jackson .

04/11/2026

We took a rough puff pastry class and make a chocolate twist and fruit puff. Elena was so wonderful and helped answer all our questions! We learned a lot. Great conversation, and overall just a wonderful human! We definitely take a class with her again.

Maureen J.

04/08/2026

We attended a puff pastry class and thoroughly enjoyed it! Elena was lovely, friendly, answered all our questions, and made the class a lot of fun. We definitely will attend another of her classes.

Kimberly K.

01/25/2026

My mom and I took Elena's Artisan Bread class. Not only were the recipes delicious but my mom and I throughly enjoyed the class. Elena took her time and answered all our questions. We would definitely take more classes from Elena.

Jane P.

01/18/2026

We made some yummy cinnamon rolls and chocolate Babka! Elena was a wonderful host, had lots of fabulous cooking and travel stories to share and provided a wonderful experience! I highly recommend her â€” a fun way to spend with a friend while leaning a valuable baking skill.

Jill Y.

01/18/2026

Great experience with Elena! Her home and kitchen were a perfect setting for our group. We made cinnamon rolls and babka. She was a great teacher, gave us tips on which ingredients are best for baking breads, kneading techniques and the cinnamon rolls and babka were delicious! Would definitely recommend booking a class with her.

Alexandra R.

01/13/2026

Took my Mother for her birthday and she loved the entire experience. We learned a lot from Chef Elena and all the questions we asked were well explained. Definitely would take another class. My Mom especially left super excited to make more puff pastries at home

Trent S.

01/04/2026

Chef Elena is great. We recently took her Crafting Flaky Pastry Creations class and really enjoyed it. Sheâ€™s very welcoming and made learning the techniques easy and fun. The three of us had a blast!

Mike V.

10/11/2025

Chef Elena made us feel comfortable and capable. She helped us create the most delicious pastry that we cannot wait to make for our family. We will definitely take another class from her.

Elise W.

08/16/2025

My husband and I like to try new things together and we both love sweets. I knew he would love the chocolate twists and I absolutely loved the puffed berry pastry. Elena explained everything very well and was well prepared and friendly. I was a bit nervous to go to a strangers house but her home was very clean and elegantly decorated. Overall it was a great date night for my husband and I and I have already booked another one on one class for us to make artisans bread! Plus leaving with the extras to have the next day and to share with our kid was nice.

Brian A.

08/04/2025

My wife and I recently took a cooking class Artisan Bread Bakes with Chef Elena, and we had a fantastic time! Chef Elena was warm, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience fun and easy to follow. We learned a lot and came away with delicious homemade bread we were proud of. Highly recommend this class to anyone looking for a fun and rewarding hands-on experience!

Karina M.

02/28/2025

We loved cooking with chef Elena! She taught us a bit about the science behind bread making before getting started. She helped us every step of the way and we made 3 delicious breads. Her place was clean and great to cook in. Weâ€™d highly recommend

Amber B.

02/23/2025

I recently attended a bread-making class, which was an incredible and intimate experience! From start to finish, the class was well-organized, informative, and hands-on. The instructor was knowledgeable and made the entire process easy to follow. We learned different techniques, from kneading and proofing to shaping and baking. The best part? We got to take home freshly baked bread that smelled and tasted amazing! The class also provided great tips on ingredients, oven settings, and how to achieve the perfect crust. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, I highly recommend this class. Itâ€™s fun and engaging, and you leave with delicious homemade bread and newfound confidence in baking. I canâ€™t wait to try out my new skills at home!

Joe A.

02/21/2025

My wife and I attended Chef Elena's Artisan Bread Bakes class; it was a fantastic experience. I highly recommend this class. Chef Elena is an excellent instructor; she is knowledgeable, well-prepared, and polite. During this class, you'll not be just a robot executing instructions; you'll get practical knowledge, know why you're doing specific steps, and know how to adapt. When you're finished, you will leave with some delicious bakes of bread and a strong desire to make more now that you realize how easy and fun it can be.

Tomi J.

12/03/2024

My daughter and I did her cinnamon rolls, Star bread and pecan roll class. We had such a great time and learned so much and everything was delicious. I will definitely sign up again. Everything was clean, organized and well presented.

Chef Elena

Cooking Classes WITH Chef Elena

Sweet Breads and Rolls

Crafting Flaky Pastry Creations

Artisan Bread Bakes

Private Chef Meals WITH Chef Elena

Herb & Citrus Infused Mediterranean Fare

From Garden to Gourmet Dinner

Feast of Italian Cuisine

Bright Mediterranean Feast