As San Diegans flocked to local malls, determined to cross a few more items off their Christmas shopping lists, a troupe of culinary elves gathered at The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College to learn the art of tamale making. Elizabeth Ramos, a self-professed foodie who also happens to be The Garden’s Events and Marketing Specialist, is the visionary behind Tamale Making 101. Elizabeth conceived the class as an annual fundraiser that would give her a platform to share her passion for the Latin American tradition of making delicious tamales for the holidays.

Tamale-Making 101.

(For more event photos, go to: CAUSE.)

^{Photo by Cause for Celebration}

An unseasonably warm, mid-December day greeted students who assembled in a sunny on-site kitchen to begin their culinary adventure. With its doors wide open, the alluring sights and joyful sounds of The Garden’s rustic landscape poured in – chirping birds, splashes of floral color and the soothing cadence of a bubbling foundation – every nuance was an affirmation of the important cause their class tuition would support: sustaining the mission of this east county urban oasis for generations to come.

Who Was There: Leaning over work stations assembled along several long tables bearing the tools of their newly- acquired hobby– corn husks, masa and a variety of flavorful fillings, colorful bowls, and shiny utensils– students, including Julie Brundage, Christy Polan, Terri Walker, Sue Bell and Tanya Wahoff, concentrated on the work at hand, stopping occasionally to share a smile or a funny story with a friend nearby, or to stroll onto the adjacent sun-splashed patio to enjoy a cup of Elizabeth’s delicious Mexican Christmas punch. Also joining The Garden’s third annual Tamale Making 101 class were Irene Bauza, Sonya Heirserman, sisters-in-law Karen and Kathy Nutting, Jacky Hissen, Holly Savage, Vonee McKee, and Lauraine Baldwin.

The Cause: Propelled by a compelling mission to promote water conservation in the Southern California landscape through exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the public, The Garden is truly a gift to our water-scarce community. Situated on five acres of engaging displays that showcase water conservation through a series of beautifully-themed gardens, including a native plant garden and a vegetable garden, as well as how-to displays, such as mulch and irrigation exhibits, The Garden offers a friendly, hands-on setting for San Diegans to gather a variety of resources about water-wise gardening.

The Good-Hearted: Volunteers James Agnew and Susan Butler teamed up with Elizabeth to cultivate an atmosphere of culinary exploration, while handling event logistics with the ease of seasoned professionals. The class reached its capacity, thanks in large part to the contributions of Bev Oster, founder of Oster and Associates, a Hillcrest-based public relations agency. Bev has a special place in her heart for The Garden. Over the years, Bev and her team have volunteered their time and creativity to promoting The Garden’s inspiring mission – including its year-round events and programs – to the community.

The Creative: There is alchemy to the art of making tamales. Elizabeth mastered the craft under the careful eye of her beloved grandmother, Gloria Lawrence. “My grandmother taught me to value the experience of preparing meals with family and friends,” Elizabeth confided. “A special bond is created through the practice of culinary traditions. My grandmother is my guiding light. Sharing our love for cooking with others makes me smile.”

Get Involved: The Garden is a nonprofit corporation committed to spreading the message of water conservation. There are many ways to help advance The Garden’s mission. Becoming a member or making a donation are two simple ways to demonstrate your support. Businesses, nonprofits and residents also may book The Garden as a breathtaking venue for parties, performances and other special events – especially during the holidays, when the glow of twinkling lights transforms the venue into an enchanting California winter wonderland. Finally, the gift shop is a wonderful place to find unique last-minute gifts for the nature lovers on your holiday shopping list.

(For more event photos, go to: CAUSE.)