Through hands-on activities, participants will engage in traditional cooking methods, ingredient selection and presentation techniques while exploring the cultural significance of these festive foods.

The Pastelles & Paime One-Day Course is designed to preserve, promote, and transmit the culinary traditions that form an integral part of Caribbean culture and festive celebrations.

Pastelles and Paime are deeply rooted in community gatherings and holiday traditions, symbolizing the fusion of heritage, history, and hospitality. This course creates a space for participants to learn, practice, and master authentic preparation techniques, ensuring that these traditions are sustained and passed on to future generations. By combining theory with practice, participants gain valuable culinary skills while developing a deeper appreciation for the cultural relevance of these dishes.

The course also emphasizes food safety, ingredient knowledge, and professional presentation, making it beneficial for culinary students, hospitality professionals, and food enthusiasts. Its experiential format ensures that participants leave with both enhanced skills and completed products they can confidently share, thereby strengthening the connection between culinary education, cultural identity and festive enjoyment.

Course Schedule:

Session 1 – Introduction & Demonstration (1 hr)

1. Welcome and overview of the cultural significance of pastelles and paime.
2. Ingredient familiarization (cornmeal, banana leaves, fillings, coconut, spices).
3. Safety and hygiene briefing.

Session 2 – Pastelles Practical (2 hrs)

1. Preparation and seasoning of fillings (meat, vegetarian, or fish options).
2. Mixing and shaping the cornmeal dough.
3. Wrapping technique using banana leaves.
4. Steaming process demonstration and practice.

Session 3 – Paime Practical (2 hrs)

1. Grating and mixing fresh coconut, pumpkin, cornmeal, and spices.