I arrived in time to check in at Casa De Avila, grab a shower and meet up with the group for what is called “The Peruvian cooking experience”. I’m usually not the first to sign up for an organized excursion, however this has great reviews and besides, who doesn’t love to cook, eat and drink?
The day started with a guide through the local market, I felt like a little kid in a candy store!
Anybody else find it hard to order a fresh juice smoothie while sitting across from raw animal “parts”?
I don’t necessarily have a weak stomach, I just don’t have a strong desire to indulge in this section. Ready… hold your breath… I’ll run through it for you!
Leaving the edible portion of the market takes you into every other imaginable item you can purchase. There’s fabric, car parts, cooking utensils, pet food, clothes and more. Here’s a glance as we make our way around.
Peruvians use indigenous animals for both their cuisine and their traditional medicine. Last year I tried roasted guinea pig (by “try” I mean I put it in my mouth and removed it quickly). Here is a dried llama fetes and hanging prepped frogs. They that take these dried up little fellas and blend them into smoothies, soups and other dishes.
On that note, lets eat! As we return to the kitchen, ingredients are laid out, we suit up and the instruction begin.
Tradition goes, if you can peel an entire tomato without breaking the skin to create a rose, you are now ready for marriage. Look out world!
Cooking is complete and now it’s time to eat!
An amazing meal topped off with yet another new favorite dessert! This is an ice cream made with the protein rich grain of quinoa. Sign me up!
The end of the experience includes a private lesson on how to make a traditional Peruvian beverage called Pisco Sour.
This is my Pisco making buddy from England. Scott, I loved the fun conversation and fully appreciate the photo sharing. Cheers till London!
A very special thank you to the creator and owner Armando. His magical energy keeps this place feeling alive and so welcoming. If you are interested in a fabulous day of local food and drink, please check out the website at Peruviancookingexperience.com
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