About me

Hi, I’m Elena, and I love food!

I’m a chef, culinary instructor, and recipe developer.

I grew up in Mexico City, learning to cook from my grandmother and my mom. Food is how I connect with people, the earth, and myself. I love making delicious meals and sharing them with others.

I studied culinary arts and specialized in breadmaking in Mexico and Spain, but most of my experience comes from working in restaurants, bakeries, and running my own business: Masa Madre, a virtual Mexican-Jewish artisanal bakery that delivered fresh bread in Chicago and across the U.S.

Through Masa Madre, I began teaching baking classes and discovered my passion for sharing recipes, techniques, and the joy of preparing food. My goal is to help people reconnect with cooking, making it feel simple, intuitive, and delicious.

Let’s make delicious food together!

Cooking Classes

Book a private or group class with me —

Click below to see my classes.

Not in Phoenix? I also offer virtual classes you can join from anywhere. Just reach out!

Private chef

Book me as your private chef for a special dinner, celebration, or get-together. Check out my menus below!

Got a special request? I’d love to hear from you. Reach out!

Recipe and menu development

Recipe development

Creative, delicious and tested recipes.

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Menu development

Delicious, seasonal menus freshly cooked for your special event.

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Contact me