Holiday Weekend Intensives

Make the most of your holiday weekend by joining Diane for a culinary Intensive in her Santa Fe Kitchen!

Holiday weekend intensives focus on the culinary aspects of the Core Program from knife skills to the preparation of delicious health-supportive full meal menus. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to whole foods cuisine, you’ll be inspired to hone your skills and to think about the food you eat in a whole new way.

With hands-on participation, you’ll be immersed in food preparation and nutrition throughout the entire weekend. You will become intimately familiar with the basic techniques for preparing grains, beans, fish, vegetables, raw and cooked greens; and how to expand upon these techniques to create simple yet extraordinary seasonal favorites. We will use high quality oils, nuts and seeds, natural condiments, fresh herbs and spices, whole grain flours and unrefined sweeteners—all organic and free of dairy, wheat and refined sugar.

You will return home with knowledge, confidence and skills for preparing delicious meals with a collection of techniques and healthy recipes to serve to your family and friends.

CURRICULUM

  • Knife skills
  • The art of seasoning, spices, herbs, condiments
  • Appetizers
  • Non-dairy creamy soups
  • Dressings and sauces
  • Salads and vinaigrettes
  • Grains, beans, fish
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Seasonal vegetables
  • Calcium-rich greens
  • Mouth-watering desserts
  • ABC’s of menu planning
  • Creative use of leftovers
  • Converting recipes to healthier versions

PROGRAM AGENDA

Our program begins on Friday at 5:00 p.m. with a get-acquainted program overview, knife skills practice, cooking demonstration and a delicious dinner.

On Saturday and Sunday we'll begin our day at 8:30 a.m. with a breakfast buffet. Together we will create a master plan or map to guide you through the menu preparation. Then we will head for the kitchen where you’ll begin cooking with Diane’s expert guidance. Following each cooking class we will feast on the gourmet meal you’ve prepared to experience the satisfying results. We will complete at approximately 3:00 p.m. Sunday evening includes an optional group meal in one of Santa Fe’s fine SW restaurants.

Monday's fabulous brunch class begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by our farewell meal, completing at 12:00 noon.

PROGRAM FEE

  • $695 in Santa Fe

$250 non-refundable registration fee is due upon enrollment with the balance due 30 days before the class start date. Enrollments made less than 30 days in advance of the start date must be paid in full at time of registration. Class size is limited to ensure the ultimate learning experience. Early registration is recommended to assure availability.

The 4 day, 3 evening Holiday Weekend Intensive includes the following:

  • Knife skills class
  • 4 hands-on cooking classes with complete organic meals
  • Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday (brunch class on Sunday)
  • Conscious Gourmet apron
  • Recipes and lecture handouts

Knives are supplied for your use during class and will be available for purchase

Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Car rental or shuttle/taxi services
  • Accommodations
  • Meals or beverages other than listed above

Additional tours or services are available at the participant's option and expense. If you choose to participate in activities outside of the group itinerary, no deductions, allowances or substitutions will be made.

ACCOMMODATIONS
The Conscious Gourmet is located 15 minutes south of the Santa Fe Plaza and just 45 minutes from the Albuquerque airport. Santa Fe offers a tremendous variety of accommodations, from well-known chain hotels and motels to historic casitas and plush SW theme hotels. Visit www.santafe.org for access to all area accommodations or contact Diane for a list of her nearby favorites.

REGISTRATION Holiday intensives sell out quickly. Register now to assure your space!

REGISTER by calling Diane at 917-975-9721or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve your space. You will be given directions to mail your check or money order made payable to Diane Carlson along with your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Class size is limited.

Your enrollment will be confirmed by e-mail (or hard copy if requested) along with the weekend details to make your journey as easy and enjoyable as possible.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Please click here to read our cancellation and other policies.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend purchasing travel insurance through the Internet such as Travel Guard whose travel insurance plans offer coverage for trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical and health expenses, lost baggage and more.

VIEW OUR COMPLETE LISTING OF THIS YEAR'S HOLIDAY WEEKEND INTENSIVES.