You may remember a cooking class we raved about last year where we learned to bake breads, empanadas and pizzas in an authentic adobe horno oven. This week we are thrilled that our instructors from The Feasting Place, Norma and Hutch, are a part of our Q&A series. Along with teaching the technique of horno baking from their home in Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, they also plant and raise their own crops on Hutch’s land in Santa Clara Pueblo, tend to livestock, are very much involved with their family and community, and preserving their history and heritage.
We are pleased to introduce two of the hardest working and gracious people you could meet, our friends, Norma and Hutch Naranjo …
SWD GUEST Q&A:
SWD: Are you originally from the Southwest? If not, what brought you to the area?
Norma: I am definitely from the SW. Born and raised in Ohkay Owingeh, NM formerly known as (San Juan Pueblo) and proud of it!!
Hutch: I was born and raised in Santa Clara Pueblo, NM.
SWD: Soft Tacos or Crunchy?
Norma: I love them both.
Hutch: I like both, but prefer crunchy.
SWD: What is your favorite adventure or getaway in the Southwest?
Norma: I love to go to different parts of the state (NM) and explore. Sooo much to see and learn.
Hutch: I like going to the canyon at Santa Clara Peak and just think!!
SWD: What is your favorite Southwestern National Park?
Norma: I like the Grand Canyon. So spectacular.
Hutch: I don’t have one. All are special in their own way.
SWD: Red or Green (or Christmas)?
Norma: Depending on the season … winter is red , fall is green, in between seasons it’s Christmas.
Hutch: Christmas
SWD: What is the most satisfying aspect of what you do?
Norma: I love to entertain in my home. I love people and enjoy hearing their stories.
Hutch: I love to be out in the mountains, especially when I go hunting or looking for my cattle.
SWD: What is the most challenging aspect of what you do?
Norma: The most challenging aspect of what I do is challenging myself. Does that make sense…
Hutch: The most challenging thing for me is making sure my crops are going to have a great season.
SWD: Corn or flour tortillas?
Norma: I love them both … I also love bread.
Hutch: I like them both, depending on what I eat with them.
SWD: Do you cook? What do you love to make?
Norma: Oh yeah I cook. I love to make dishes in the horno and cook for Feast days….
Hutch: Yes, but Norma is a better cook!!!
SWD: What do you absolutely refuse to eat?
Norma: Dry meat.
Hutch: Something with coconut in it.
SWD: This may have just been answered, but … What are your thoughts on menudo (and no, we don’t mean the boy band)?
Norma: I like making it, but don’t really like eating it.
Hutch: I love it..
SWD: If you hypothetically moved away from the Southwest, what would you ask people to send to you in a care package? What would you miss the most about the Southwest?
Norma: The whole enchilada!!!! The green/red chile, the beauty, the culture, etc.
Hutch: I would miss my chile and chicos.
SWD: Is there a Southwest destination you’ve been wanting to visit?
Norma: Chaco Canyon
Hutch: Chaco Canyon
SWD: Do you have a mantra?
Norma: Stay true to yourself thru your heart, mind and spirit.
Hutch: Believe in your spirit.
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If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
The Feasting Place article, cooking with Norma and Hutch
SWD Guest Q&A with Director and Founder of the International Chile Pepper Institute
SWD Guest Q&A with a Curator of Native American Art
SWD Guest Q&A with a Master Ceramist and Southwestern Clay Jewelry Designer
SWD Guest Q&A with a Sincerely Far Out Photographer
SWD Guest Q&A with a Vanishing America Photographer from Santa Fe, NM