December is a month made for food events. With family gatherings and office get-togethers occupying most of our time, the natural go-to is to bring food. Whether it be an old standby, a traditional classic you’re trying for the first time or a new take on something to create the unexpected, this is a season of enjoying food and company. So, dig out those recipe books, brace yourself for some dumb idiot to accidentally sign up for something you already signed up for at a potluck and let the holiday cheer run through you like wine down stone. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, or so they say. Here are your food events.
Weekly Specials: Buttercream Is King Buttercream Is King
When it comes to frosting, there are two types of icing: Buttercream, the correct one, and royal icing, the horrible one. I refuse to acknowledge any others, and if you come at me about fondant, I’ll legitimately fight you. Fondant shouldn’t exist, and while that’s just my opinion, it’s the correct one and will never be proven otherwise. All this is to say that Buttercream 101, hosted by Q’s Cakes and Sweets Boutique (2720 Central Ave. SE Ste. D), will teach you about why buttercream is supremely better than a ganache or whipped cream frosting, and how to make it like a pro. Happening Sunday, Dec. 8 from 2pm to 4pm, you’ll be in a group of elite students, learning the art of making the best frosting known to man. Tickets are currently $45, and you can learn more and register at qcakes.com. To learn more about why fondant is terrible, literally just try it.
Weekly Specials: Let The Spirit Flow Through You Let The Spirit Flow Through You
The last time I made a mistake with a Japanese spirit, I had to cleanse my house of dark energies and solve a mystery hidden on an old VHS. Thankfully, these are a different kind of Japanese spirit, though better to be informed than to look like a fool. The Japanese Spirits & Cuisine Tasting is happening at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya (1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo) on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are $35 a person, and for the price of admission, you’ll be treated to a three-piece tasting pairing a Japanese spirit with Japanese inspired cuisine. Be ready to learn more than you ever expected to need to know, and maybe get to see the Suntory commercial with Sean Connery. No promises. For more information, email james.culwell@hyatt.com.
Weekly Specials: Tamales By You! Tamales By You!
Not all of us grew up with tias y abuelas who taught us the sacred ritual of making a good tamale. For many of us, we had to resort to YouTube, where some white guy in dreads just wrapped a hot dog up and called it a day, making us look like fools to others at the holiday get-together. Have no fear, Coddiwomple’s Shoppe & Apothecary (4484 Corrales Rd., Corrales) is here, bringing you the Tamale Making Class. Happening Saturday Dec. 7, from 3pm to 5pm, you’ll join others with Corrales resident Pat Young in a class that will teach you all you need to know about tamale making. Materials will be provided onsite, and you get to take your creations home for dinner! Tickets are $30, reservation needed, so to make sure you’re a tamale-making champ by calling 897-8109 to secure a spot before they’re gone.
Weekly Specials: Pierogis For All Pierogis For All
Sidetrack Brewing (413 Second Street SW) is hosting Wild Wild Pierogi, a food truck specializing in everyone’s favorite potato-based dumplings. Happening Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4pm to 8pm, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite beers with your favorite Polish snack. What sets Wild Wild Pierogi apart from other pierogis? These little puppies are New Mexico styled, meaning you’re getting your chile fix and a bit of culture expansion if you’ve never tried a pierogi before. Pick between red or green, as well as a host of vegetarian options sure to satisfy all eaters of all appetites. For more information, visit Sidetrack Brewing’s Facebook page.
