Our cultural program often focuses on the rich, complex flavors of Mexican cuisine—after all, what’s learning Spanish without mastering the art of the perfect taco?

However, sometimes we get the delightful opportunity to turn the tables and be treated to the incredible flavors of the world!

Yesterday was one of those special days, thanks to our wonderful Swiss student, who treated the school to a fantastic, authentic meal: Älplermagronen.

What is Älplermagronen?

In simple terms, Älplermagronen (or “Alpine Macaroni”) is the ultimate Swiss comfort food. This hearty dish is essentially a warm hug in a bowl, combining:

• Macaroni pasta
• Potatoes
• Cream
• Melted cheese (often Gruyère or Emmental)
• And, crucially, it’s typically served with caramelized onions and a side of apple sauce!

It was a rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying break from our usual pozole and enchiladas—and a delicious reminder of the diverse backgrounds of our student body.

Sharing is the Secret Ingredient

As we’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, our cultural activities usually feature traditional Mexican cooking classes. But every now and then, we are lucky enough to be spoiled by the culinary talents of our students.

We cannot express how grateful we are when students like Simon take the time and effort to share a piece of their home with us.

Ultimately, if there is one verb that best describes the truly invaluable experiences we share here at IDEAL, it would be “to share” (compartir):

• Students share their culture and their stories.
• We share our language, traditions, and home.
• Everyone shares a common table, a common goal, and a hearty laugh.

These moments, whether learning the regional variations of tú and usted, or savoring Swiss pasta, are what make the IDEAL Spanish experience so unique and memorable.

¡Mil gracias! Your Älplermagronen was a fantastic treat!

Ready to share your culture (and maybe a favorite recipe!) with us while you master Spanish?

Join the IDEAL Spanish Mexico family today!