Mama's Kitchen

We learned to make the most delicious mole (two kinds!) and while we were doing it, we also learned about the historical roots of Mexican cuisine. The food was fantastic, as were the locally sourced mezcal margaritas! (Our son had a mocktail version.) But best of all, Jane is a wise, warm, and lovely host and teacher. And her place was beautiful. So grateful for the time we shared.

Jane's cooking class is awesome! I'm going home to cook an authentic Mexican meal for my family & friends. Empanadas, tortillas and tamales! Thinking of going for another class before I go home. Loved it!

Hands down one of the best excursions I have done in my many years of travelling. Took the class with my daughter and we found it fun, educational and inspiring. Jane is a great host and teacher. The village setting is beautiful and the food and drinks we had a part in helping create were delicious. I would highly recommend the class and plan on going back during my next trip to Huatulco.

What an unforgettable experience! Chef Jane was not only an incredible instructor but also shared fascinating insights into the culture and history of the region. Our family of three had such a wonderful time learning new recipes, cooking together, and of course enjoying the delicious food and drinks. It’s an experience we’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loves cooking and wants to learn something new. The dishes were outstanding, and the Mezcal margarita was a highlight for me. Truly a must‑try!

Jane is a wonderful person passionate about cooking and Huatulco. The food we prepared was delicious. We enjoyed learning about layering the flavours Jane is a wealth of knowledge about history of Huatulco. Can't wait to come back and enjoy another culinary experience. We did the street walking food tour with Jane last time in Huatulco and really enjoyed it as well

Jane is a great teacher, sharing loads of information about the history of the area and its food. Very tasty and enjoyable!

Once again, my wife & I had the delight of a cooking class with Jane, and this time we brought friends. Jane, with assistance from her “sous chef” Irma, showed the four of us how do make mole (black & yellow), which we had for lunch along with rice and tortillas (also made by us). Delicious! Jane’s humour and insights into food and Mexican history and society alongside the kitchen instruction made for a most entertaining morning. Even though we’ve completed all of Jane’s classes over the years, I suspect we’ll sign up for a refresher when next we visit the Huatulco area. Thank you, Jane!

Amazing Cooking Class – 5 Stars! We’ve taken Jane’s cooking class in Huatulco five times now, and it gets better every time! Jane’s passion for Mexican cuisine and her welcoming nature make the experience unforgettable. The hands-on cooking with fresh, local ingredients is so much fun, and the dishes—like mole, tortillas, and salsas—are delicious. Each time we learn something new, Jane’s tips make it easy to recreate the recipes at home. If you’re in Huatulco, don’t miss this incredible culinary adventure. It’s a must-do! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This experience is a must!! Starting with the driver who was on time and very friendly. Jane was an amazing host. She is passionate about the area and cooking and educated us about her community and culture. The food was so delicious and the view incredible. We were lucky to get our dog fix with her sweet fur babies which was a bonus. Please don’t hesitate to try this excellent adventure!! Thanks Jane!

We attended the cooking class with Jane and it was fantastic! My girlfriend loved learning to cook mole, prepare fresh corn tortilla and learning about the history of the Oaxaca's culture. I learned how to prepare delicious margaritas :D

This was a great way to spend a shore day in Huatulco. We learned not just how to make mole, but also some information and history of the region.. Transportation to and from the class was prompt and professional, and the half hour drive gave us a glimpse of the local area. I wasn’t clear on a few things from the Viator description, such as whether we could be picked up from the cruise pier instead of a hotel, and whether the price included the return drive. The operator was prompt in responding to my queries. We hope to return to the area and take another cooking class from Jane.

We went to Huatulco as part of a cruise we were on. We wanted to do something different than the normal cruise excursions. This cooking class was just what we were looking for. A unique experience in the Mountains of Oaxaca. The price included a 30 minute ride to and from the class from the cruise dock. The open air classroom was really in a beautiful secluded location. We got to make two different kinds of mole and tortillas from scratch. The food we made was delicious. Jane and Rosa are great hosts and we got to learn a lot about the food history of Mexico. Jane sent us the recipes we made in class and we can't wait to make them at home. The total time was about 3 1/2 hours and we got back to the cruise dock in plenty of time to explore the shops and entertainment around Huatulco.

Jane was amazing! She has obviously been doing this for a while because everything was so well thought out and prepared for us. She taught us a lot about the local culture and about Oaxaca's history while we cooked, and we got to learn so much about the local area. That was an unexpected part but very much loved it. The food was delicious - we made tortillas and 2 types of mole with chicken. Very fresh and delicious. Would HIGHLY recommend this experience for anyone, young/old/cook/not a cook, it's for everyone. And definitely buy some of her homemade salts!

What a wonderful experience cooking at Chiles and Chocolate with Jane. She is a wealth of information on the history of food in Mexico - we learned a lot and the food and margaritas were excellent!!! The cooking studio is brightly decorated and really a happy place in a typical village. Thanks so much for this experience Jane - it was a highlight of our trip! Robin & Arthur

Enjoyed the mole cooking class, where we made dark and yellow moles with chicken and rice in a country village. Jane was very knowledgeable as a chef and her cooking classes are infused with interesting Mexico history lessons. At the end, we got to enjoy our cooking with the other cooks in the class at an outdoor table in a beautiful garden.

What an amazing way to start my vacation in Huatulco. I love mole and booked the Wednesday class. Jane was amazing, she taught us about the different factors that influenced Mexico’s cuisine and other really interesting información specific about the area she lives in. There were three of us taking the class today. Both moles were exquisite, we had a lovely class and even better lunch which was served with a home made margarita. I would definitely recommend taking one of her classes.

Jane was so wonderful, amazing food a beautiful venue. Learning about the "village" life and history of the area and Mexico was awesome. This is a MUST excursion while in Huatulco. Will do again

Not only do you get to enjoy great food you get to learn about it and the events that impact food production / consumption in the area.

Jane is a great teacher and not only of how to make local dishes. (We learned how to make a yellow mole, a black mole, rice, and tortillas. She also shared, in an engaging, accessible, and interactive way, how the food of Mexico reflects its melting pot history of Spanish, French, German, and other surprising influences--historic and current-- that I never knew before. Her work with the local community is also life-changing. She helps create true job opportunities through this class and other tours, and through her restaurant, Cafe Juanita. I came expecting a cooking class and left with so much more. She is truly making a difference.

Great class, loved the info and the food, Jane is lovely and handled a large group so well. As a professional chef I learned great things about Mexico and its food and culture.

We visited Jane's teaching/private event kitchen at her mountain village property thru Bayside Realty stay and play. We (Ramona and I) went with our group of 4 couples (made up of husband wives and friends and family). I must say that I wasn't expecting this outing to be what it was. It far exceeded my expectations and I am not easily wowed. It was a very on hands experience making two types of mole and tortillas under Janes instruction and history of the foods. When finished we ate outside at the family style table with mezcal based margaritas that we also made. Jane also emailed the recipes to everyone after the class. My explanation does not do the experience justice, you should if nothing else while in Huatulco take this experience in. We hope to spend many more experiences with Jane. Jane thank you again!! Don't forget to visit Cafe Juanita in Tangolunda, Janes longtime Restaurant. Tim and Ramona Furlong, North Dakota

Jane: great host and great chef. It was an immersive experience start to finish. Very hands on with lots of guidance and explanations for step by step preparations. Sign up well in advance if you know your travel schedule. Jane keeps classes small. We really enjoyed ourselves, and quickly appreciated Jane's entrepreneurial talents in addition to being terrific chef. We will do another class. Good value.

We had a great time cooking locally sourced food. Jane is a wealth of knowledge about history, and shares throughout the experience. Definitely an activity to put on your list!

Living in New Mexico, I am familiar with chilies but have never known how to make moles or homemade tortillas. Delicious and fun way to spend a day. Did I mention we enjoyed our labors outside with a mezcal margarita rimmed with Hibiscus salt. Yummy! Highly recommended!!

Very enjoyable day cooking mole with my sister. Jane was kind enough to educate us on Mexican history plus modern day Mexico ideologies, politics, etc. I had previously taken a street foods class. Really good recipes and a nice set up for cooking.I would 100% recommend any cooking class with them.

Jane is so warm and inviting. This was a highlight of our trip. I highly recommend this tour. We made Mole with chicken, rice and handmade tortillas. I can't wait to make the recipes in her book that we purchased at her school.

The cooking class was amazing. Jane was great! Not only did she give a great cooking lesson, but a history lesson as well. The location was beautiful, and had a great group to learn and cook with. I highly recommend this class!!!

My daughter and I enjoyed a lovely morning learning how to make mole with Jane. The school is set in a beautiful location just out side the center of town on the Zimatan river. Not only is Jane kind and welcoming but she is a great teacher and shares her knowledge of the local food, culture and history. I was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. Thanks Jane!

Excellent cooking class where we learned how to make black and yellow mole, tortillas and margaritas. We had a wonderful lunch together in a beautiful setting. Not only did we cook, we learned a lot about Mexico, it’s history and culture. Would definitely recommend the experience!

If you want a true Mexicana experience, take this class. Authentic ingredients and clay pots for cooking. You will get a taste of history and how Spain, France and Lebanon influenced the cuisine of Mexico. A lovely cooking school and Jane, to enjoy the morning! Highly recommended--I took some of mole home as I live with a Mexicana family and they highly approved! The mole was a hit!

This was simply the highlight of my trip to Huatulco. I heard from a friend who highly suggested spending a day with Jane Bauer. Not only did we make a delicious dish, we learned a lot about Mexican culture and history! I also must mention that her Restaurant in town was our best dinner in the two weeks we were there!

If you really want to learn about the wonderful tastes of Oaxaca, please do a cooking class with Jane. Not only do you get to make the most wonderful tasting food, you learn all the history around it. She picks you up from you hotel and whisks you off to her place of paradise. Her kitchen is spotless, all your ingredients are there, ready for you to prepare. I did the mole class, it was my second class with her. It was the highlight of my holiday. If you love to cook, which I do, you will gain knowledge. Or just go and eat wonderful food and drink the riches that you prepared under Janes perfect instruction.

Jane Bauer is an excellent teacher of food, culture and history. The class is hands-on, fun and informative. With a delicious meal at the end.

Jane Bauer is a good teacher about food, local history and culture. It’s a lovely class and a delicious meal.

This was a really fun and informative experience. Learned how to make mole and learned about the local history. Finished the experirnce off with a fantastic meal and mezcal margaritas!

We always find local cooking classes/experiences a highlight of travel. We arrived on a cruise ship and usually avoid shore excursions from the cruise line. We found this local class online and we’re not disappointed. We were driven to a remote, lovely, non-touristy, lovely setting overlooking a river. Jane, originally from Canada, has been involved in culinary efforts in this area for a number of years. We enjoyed learning about the local area and cooking regional cuisine. Most of all we love the unique experience and time together with new friends we made on the ship. Highly recommend…it was a great experience.

We had a wonderful experience with Jane during our cooking class a couple of weeks ago. She accommodated our last minute request for a class and we were even given the option to choose our dishes to make. I’ve already used my cook book once and I can’t wait to make more delicious dishes! This class was much more than a cooking class and so much more of the culture was taught to us. Jane has a wealth of knowledge! We even met our favorite taxi driver that ended up showing us some great spots during our time in Huatulco 😃 Carlos is the best! Thank you Jane for arranging this class and for arranging our transport. We can’t wait to visit again!

Saying this was the best experience of our vacation is an understatement! Jane is a wonderful cook, teacher, and storyteller. Oh, and the different types of mole were delicious.

Take a class from Jane near the beginning of your visit to Huatulco! This is an experience that informs as well as delights and the setting is absolutely beautiful. You do not need to be passionate about cooking in order to get the most from this well thought out class. I will be back next Fall and am already looking forward to participating in another themed class upon my return. Thanks Jane for creating such a wonderful setting and sharing some of your story and knowledge about the surrounding area. My nephew and I will be trying our version of a mole recipe back in Canada…

My favorite part was tasting the food we cooked up together. It was delicious! The on hands cooking will allow me to make mole when I get back home

My husband and I attended the Mole class with Jane yesterday. It was a highlight of our trip, not only did she teach us how to make two amazing Mole dishes she also educated us on the history of food, socio economics and the area. We had a work station and teamed up with another lady on the tour while Jane directed us in a group setting through the intricate process of creating two types of Mole. It was a fun relaxed atmosphere, and even though it was a morning class we had time for cocktails. The setting is a fantastic environment overlooking a river. We enjoyed our meal on her outdoor patio over looking the river. A professional driver Oscar picked us up in a comfortable and clean air conditioned van.

I ended up in Huatulco by myself and was trying to figure out what to do and decided to take the Mole class and was so glad that I did. I was picked up from my hotel and the class was professional, fun and down to earth. I also learned so much about Mexico in terms of the way of life for local Oaxacans, some political and food history as well as details about the ingredients that we used. Jane's story is very fascinating as well. Her cooking school is beautiful as well. I couldn't recommend this highly enough. There was once couple and a family of four (all from Cana