Lessons from La Milpa

Lessons from La Milpa: Growing Food and Community in Santa Fe

In “Lessons from La Milpa,” Madeleine Bavley explores La Milpa Comunitaria, a young but powerful community project located on Santa Fe’s Southside. The initiative is focused on strengthening food security while building resilience among local residents.

Founded by immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala, La Milpa takes its name and inspiration from an ancient Mesoamerican agricultural tradition that is still practiced today. The milpa method centers on intercropping — growing multiple crops together on the same land — which naturally improves soil health, increases crop strength, and honors the balance of natural resources.

For the project’s leaders, the work goes far beyond farming. As cofounder Trujillo explains, the deeper purpose is about restoration — both for the land and for the people connected to it. The goal, he says, is “building with this land and bringing it back to health, and through that, bringing ourselves back to health at the same time.”

Flexible Comfort Cooking for Late Winter

The Late Winter edition of Cooking Fresh highlights recipes designed with flexibility in mind — meals that can adapt easily to busy schedules and changing ingredients.

One featured staple is spaetzle, a rustic European dumpling whose name translates to “little sparrow.” Found in kitchens from Germany to Slovenia, spaetzle is known for being forgiving, versatile, and perfect for meal preparation. It can be quickly sauced, added to soups, or paired with vegetables throughout the week.

In the featured dish, Rye Spaetzle with Root Vegetables and Gremolata, the dumplings become a hearty main course. They are browned in butter, tossed with caramelized winter vegetables, and finished with bright, fresh gremolata for a balance of richness and freshness.

A Taste of Grassfed Smackdown Coming to Santa Fe

On Sunday, March 22, the Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing Company will host A Taste of Grassfed Smackdown — a one-of-a-kind event celebrating the region’s grassfed ranchers and the chefs who bring their products to life.

The experience pairs local ranchers with talented chefs, each working together to create inspired dishes that showcase responsibly raised proteins. Beyond the food, the event aims to deepen community connections by highlighting the stories, stewardship, and craftsmanship behind every bite.

The event lineup includes partnerships between regional producers and local culinary talent, bringing together a wide range of flavors and cooking styles for an immersive food experience.