From Peck to Plate
Step into a family tradition where food is about far more than what’s on the plate. Join nutritionalist Mayra Santana and chef Oscar Molina as they welcome you into the heart of a traditional Mexican family feast, sharing the skills, stories, and values that have gathered generations around the table.
Together you’ll experience the full journey—from the respectful, humane harvesting of a chicken to plucking, processing, cooking, and finally enjoying an incredible meal together. Along the way you’ll learn practical food skills, discover the nutritional benefits of whole-animal cooking, and hear personal stories about the traditions that make food such an important part of family life.
When: November 21st, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: 15400 SW Aquatic View Lane, Powell Butte
Ticket Options: $165, $185, and $210
Supplies Fee: $20
Number of Tickets: 12
Sold Out? Can’t Make the Date? Pre-Register!
Pre-registration is free; we only charge your credit card when we’re ready to schedule (and you say ok). When 6 people pre-register, we’ll set up the next workshop!
The Details
Build Heritage Skills
Gain confidence harvesting, plucking, processing, and preparing a whole chicken using safe, respectful techniques. You’ll learn practical skills you can bring home while exploring the importance of humane harvesting and honoring the animal from beginning to end.
Cook with Purpose
Discover why locally raised food and whole-animal cooking offer both nutritional and culinary benefits. Learn how every part of the bird contributes flavor, nourishment, and less waste in the kitchen.
Food Brings Us Together
Hear stories of growing up in Mexican households where meals were the center of family life and every gathering strengthened community. As you cook alongside Mayra and Oscar, you’ll experience how traditions are passed from one generation to the next—one shared meal at a time.
Community Potluck!
Nothing says community like a potluck. Breaking bread while building bridges, so to speak. This workshop will include a potluck, a chance to talk about what you are learning, share experiences, and get to know one another. We’ll supply the main protein. Please bring something along to share with your neighbors!
Workshop Leader
Mayra Santana and Oscar Molina
Mayra Santana and Oscar Molina are the husband-and-wife team behind Roots at Heart Nutrition in Bend, Oregon. Mayra is a Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist (BCHN®), specializing in digestive health and metabolic wellness. Oscar brings 18 years of experience as a professional chef, creating delicious, nutrient-rich meals. They speak English, Spanish, and Purépecha, and combine nutrition with traditional cooking to help people find wellness through food.
Partner
Roots at Heart
We’re proud to partner with Roots at Heart, whose work aligns beautifully with this workshop’s focus on nourishing both people and community. Roots at Heart offers personalized nutritional therapy specializing in digestion, metabolism, and heart health, along with bilingual consultations and in-home chef services. Their philosophy of using food as medicine complements the hands-on learning you’ll experience around the family table.
Join school of ranch
Save 20% On This Workshop!
Join School of Ranch and get 20% off all workshops for a year. Your membership helps us cover our costs. Being non-profit doesn’t mean you can lose money! We need your support and nothing shows support as much as a membership.
frequently asked questions
What should I wear?
Dress casually, and you may want to bring an apron.
What should I bring?
Bring something to take notes with, plenty of curiosity, and a healthy appetite.
Can kids attend?
Yes! Minors are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Everyone must have their own ticket!
Will there be food?
Absolutely. We’ll prepare a delicious meal together, supplemented by our community potluck.
Will I participate in harvesting a chicken?
Yes. Humane harvesting is part of the educational experience and is demonstrated with care and respect for the animal. Participants are encouraged to participate at whatever level feels comfortable for them.
What should I bring for the potluck?
Bring a favorite dish from your own family table to share. It’s a wonderful opportunity to exchange recipes, traditions, and stories while enjoying a meal together.
What is School of Ranch?
School of Ranch is a Central Oregon based 501c3 nonprofit. At School of Ranch, neighbors teach heritage skills, live and in person. Our product is eduction, but our purpose is community. We create common among neighbors regardless of politics, age, background or beliefs.