Welcome to CNMI’s Culinary page, where we offer engaging, hands-on learning opportunities to elevate your culinary skills and transform your events. Choose from courses like our Certificate in Chocolate Tasting, Intermediate Baking, Foundational Baking, and Viva Vino Wine Bootcamps.You can also explore our Corporate Culinary Experiences to take your team-building or client engagement to the next level.
You may qualify to take any of our culinary courses at no cost. Explore funding options and register today.
Presented By: International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting
This hands-on Chocolate Certification program introduces learners to the sensory, technical, and production aspects of fine and craft chocolate. Designed for culinary professionals, food entrepreneurs, and chocolate enthusiasts, the program explores cacao origins, chocolate making processes, and formal tasting methodologies used by professionals in the chocolate industry.
Learners may enroll in Level 1, Level 2, or both levels (bundle discount applies).*
Level 1 Chocolate Tasting lays the sensory foundation for your journey as a Chocolate Taster, introduces chocolate making in the fine and craft chocolate world, and takes you through where cacao comes from and how it is produced.
During the course you will experience the sensory elements used in chocolate tasting through a series of tasting games and experiments and you will practice using a formal approach to chocolate tasting.
The Foundation course is designed to run over a single day workshop, as three evening class sessions or as three online webinar sessions plus self-study.
Level 1 course provides a good grounding in chocolate tasting and includes tasting of 9 or more different origin or blended fine dark chocolate bars, tasted in different forms for an understanding of aroma, length, texture and taste. The chocolate tasted includes examples of well made craft chocolate origins and examples of defects and industrial production.
The course finishes with a 30 question multiple choice exam based on the course content. Certificates will be issued upon achieving a pass mark. Lunch is provided.
Cost: $780 ($1,999 – both level bundle)
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: April 6, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Maricel Presilla
Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1 Certificate in Chocolate Tasting.*
The Level 2 intermediary course explores the world of fine and origin chocolate in greater depth, looking in detail at the styles of different chocolate makers and different approaches to chocolate making, from micro-batch to large scale. Treatment and flaws in cacao are examined as well as the chocolate production chain and how these contribute to flavour.
The course explores chocolate history with an emphasis on taste and the current chocolate market. Over 25 chocolate bars and samples are tasted, with repeat tasting, profiling and blind tasting to gain a full understanding.
Level 2 introduces the Institute’s online chocolate profiling system, which will be used throughout the course working with laptops of tablets. Spare tablets will be provided if you are unable to bring your own device.
The course is held over an intense three days, or a two week programme of webinars and self study, and provides fuller understanding of fine chocolate and its flavour possibilities.
The course finishes on the final day with a 30 minute blind tasting exam and a 60 minute multiple choice exam based on the course content. Certificates will be issued upon achieving a pass mark. Hors d’oeuvres are provided.
Cost: $1,450 ($1,999 – both level bundle)
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: April 7 – April 9, 2026
3:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Maricel Presilla
Eligible for college credit (upon successful completion): (CULN 1132)
Students apply learned fundamentals and concepts from Foundation Baking to continue skill development. Through theory and demonstration, more difficult products and the components to complete them are covered. Topics include various doughs, artisan bread, scratch cakes, tarts, pies, meringues, and pate a choux. Multitasking is stressed.
Cost: $5,000
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: February 6 – April 18, 2026
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 8:40 p.m.
Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.
Instructor: Jennifer Gomez
Eligible for college credit (upon successful completion): (CULN 1130)
This course includes the theory, skills and techniques of baking fundamentals. Competencies include scaling, methods of mixing, processing of ingredients, ingredient functions and baking math. Topics include cookies, quick breads, pan breads, sweet yeast, cakes and decorating. Proper use of equipment and lab safety are stressed.
Cost: $5,000
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 8:40 p.m.
Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.
Instructor: Jennifer Gomez
No classes are currently scheduled. Please fill out this interest form to be notified of future course offerings.
Immerse yourself in the art of winemaking during these intensive two-week bootcamps. Designed to give you a solid foundation in practical production, these courses walk you through every step of creating wine—from fermentation to bottling. While other courses may focus more on theory, we provide hands-on skills and in-depth knowledge of the most crucial parts of the winemaking process. This training supports local economic development by helping participants gain specialized skills needed to enter or advance in the wine industry.
Focus on the art and science of white wine production, exploring yeast selection, fermentation management, and flavor development. Gain practical skills to produce balanced, high-quality white wines.
Cost: $2,500
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Monday-Friday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Instructor: Tim Donahue
Learn the techniques for sparkling wine, from whole-cluster pressing to disgorging, along with lab analysis and packaging considerations. Experience winery visits and gain industry insight into sparkling wine production.
Cost: $3,500
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Monday-Friday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Instructor: Tim Donahue
Master red winemaking techniques, including grape evaluation, fermentation management, and malolactic fermentation. Hands-on practice ensures you leave with skills applicable in professional winemaking settings.
Cost: $3,500
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Monday-Friday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Instructor: Tim Donahue
No classes are currently scheduled. Please fill out this interest form to be notified of future course offerings.
This is a three-part course series. Registration includes all three classes. Individual class registration is not available.
Learn the key factors of what it takes to make a tender, moist vanilla cake, including functions of each ingredient and how to properly mix and bake beautiful cake layers.
Bake a 4” personal sized cake for the day and an 8” cake for the following class. Make a Classic American Buttercream, decorate and take your 4” cake home.
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Instructor: Andrea Schulte
Using the 8” cake layers made in part 1, learn how to make Chantilly Frosting/Filling. Finish your gorgeous cake and adorn it with glazed fresh berries to take home.
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Instructor: Andrea Schulte
Make moist and rich chocolate cupcakes along with a delicious Swiss Meringue Buttercream for Decorating. Learn to color the buttercream and hand-pipe beautiful roses and leaves onto each cupcake to take home.
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Instructor: Andrea Schulte
No classes are currently scheduled. Please fill out this interest form to be notified of future course offerings.
This is a three-part course series. Registration includes all three classes. Individual class registration is not available.
Join fellow food lovers where you’ll spend your Saturdays creating delicious treats from scratch—no experience needed. From fresh focaccia and scones to fruit tarts, bagels, and chocolate-dipped cookies, each session is a chance to learn new skills, connect with others, and leave with something warm and wonderful to share. Come for the baking, stay for the joy of making it together.
Participants of this course will learn how to make focaccia, scones, types of flat bread, yeast fermentation, different ways to prepare Focaccia will be included. Explore the differences between biscuits and scones.
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Instructor: Jennifer Gomez
This course will cover tarts; the straight dough method, and applying what we learned about yeast fermentation to our dinner rolls. Creaming, blind baking, and stovetop custard methods will be demoed to make the tarts. Finishing off with baking and decorating with fresh fruit and Apricot glaze to preserve fruit for a beautiful shine.
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Instructor: Jennifer Gomez
In the last course, we will add poaching to our list of methods for baking bread. Bagels require fermentation, poaching, topping and baking. We will also be including the Strassburger cookie: a pipeable cookie that uses the creaming method. After the cookies are baked and cooled we will dip them in chocolate for beautiful presentation and flavor.
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Instructor: Jennifer Gomez
No classes are currently scheduled. Please fill out this interest form to be notified of future course offerings.
This is a two-part course series. Registration includes both classes. Individual class registration is not available.
Learn the art of crafting beautiful, flavor-packed boards in our Charcuterie Essentials course. In just two sessions, you’ll create from-scratch crackers, fruit spreads, candied nuts, fresh pita bread, and more—perfect for impressing guests or creating thoughtful, edible gifts. From elegant cheese pairings to colorful crudité platters, this non-credit class blends hands-on techniques with a touch of food artistry to help you turn simple ingredients into stunning presentations. No experience needed—just bring your creativity.
In this course students will learn how to make items to add to build a beautiful charcuterie board.
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Instructor: Jennifer Gomez
Learn how to make different types of flat bread. This will include yeast, mixing, fermentation, shaping, baking, and different ways to use this flat bread.
Location: Albuquerque, NM, CNM Robert P. Matteucci Hall (In-person)
Dates: TBD
Instructor: Jennifer Gomez
Transform your next corporate gathering into a memorable, team-building adventure. Our experienced team designs culinary events tailored to your group’s unique preferences, objectives, and culture. Whether you want interactive cooking classes, chef-led demonstrations, or themed culinary competitions, we’ll integrate your company message seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience.
We go beyond simply cooking; our events are about building bonds, fostering creativity, and celebrating achievements. With professional chefs, premium ingredients, and innovative event design, we ensure an unparalleled experience. Plus, our team manages all the logistics—from setup to cleanup—so you can focus on enjoying the occasion and connecting with your guests.
We understand the importance of balancing quality and budget, which is why our pricing is designed to be as flexible as the experiences we offer. From basic packages to fully immersive experiences, we’ll ensure every dollar is well spent.
Contact our Director of Business Development at [email protected]. Let us help you create an event that leaves a lasting impression!
CNM Ingenuity will be performing scheduled maintenance on Saturday, January 20 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Students will not be able to submit or modify any forms during this time. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please contact us with any questions.
CNM Ingenuity is closed for the holidays beginning Monday, December 22, 2025 and will reopen Monday, January 5, 2026. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!