A week at magical Rancho La Puerta
A week at magical Rancho La Puerta — a resort/spa in Baja, Mexico was the highlight
of the past few months. I was invited to teach 3 classes at their spanking new state-of-the-art
culinary center — La Cocina Que Canta — The Kitchen that Sings. With several acres of organic
gardens spilling over with flavorful greens, vegetables and fruits, this was the ultimate in
my 30 years of teaching Indian classes. The ranch serves vegetarian cuisine but includes
seafood, which is the way I like to eat at home, so it made the experience so much more
meaningful. We prepared Saag Panir (Home-made Cheese with Spinach) using armloads of just
picked spinach from the garden, and used house-made yogurt in all our dishes. The classes
attracted a diverse group of ranch guests as we had 2 hands-on classes, and for those who
preferred to watch and learn there was a demonstration class.
The professional team at the cocina, headed by creative chef Jesus Gonzalez who took up the
reins here after several years at the Golden Door, were as efficient as they were friendly.
Both the school and the ranch are situated at the base of the awe inspiring Mt. Kuchumaa, a
spiritual place that whispers serenity. The rugged dessert-like area has a majestic beauty
offset by the lush acres of landscaped gardens on the ranch. I understand now why guests
return year after year and I hope to return too.
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