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Empanadas: Sweet and Savory
Master the art of empanada making with both sweet and savory fillings. Learn dough techniques, folding methods, and create delicious handheld pastries.
What you’ll do
Discover the versatility of empanadas in this hands-on culinary class where you’ll master both sweet and savory variations of this beloved pastry. Learn to create tender, flaky dough from scratch and explore traditional filling techniques that balance flavor and texture. You’ll prepare savory empanadas with options like seasoned beef, chicken, cheese and vegetables, alongside sweet versions featuring fruit, chocolate, or dulce de leche.
Instruction covers proper dough handling, folding and crimping techniques for beautiful presentation, and cooking methods including baking and frying. You’ll understand how to adjust moisture levels in fillings to prevent soggy pastries and learn tips for making empanadas ahead for easy entertaining. Whether you’re drawn to traditional Latin American recipes or creative fusion flavors, this class gives you the skills to make professional-quality empanadas at home. Perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks looking to expand their pastry repertoire.
About your Instructor
Gerardo Diaz
Gerardo Diaz is a passionate individual with a love for the great outdoors, culinary arts, and family connections. Born and raised in Mazatlan Sinaloa Gerardo’s affinity for nature was fostered from a young age. His earliest memories are filled with the sights and sounds of the ocean waves sparking a lifelong passion for exploration and adventure.
Beyond his love for fishing, Gerardo is also a skilled culinary enthusiast. He delights in the art of cooking, using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques to create mouthwatering dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From sizzling seafood caught on his own fishing excursions to hearty meals prepared with love for his family, Gerardo’s kitchen is always brimming with creativity and flavor.
Above all else, Gerardo treasures time spent with his family. Whether they’re gathered around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter or embarking on outdoor escapades together, the bond they share is unbreakable. He believes that family is the cornerstone of happiness and finds true joy in nurturing those relationships through shared experiences and cherished moments.
Membership has its benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Empanadas: Sweet and Savory
Master the art of empanada making with both sweet and savory fillings. Learn dough techniques, folding methods, and create delicious handheld pastries.
Schedule
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
This Session
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Experience Level
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and All-LevelsAge(s)
18-over$100 – Registration Cost
