Claudia Aguillon and a dozen other women in aprons are learning how to make an aubergine and brown sugar pastry at a cookery class in Santa Ana, the second-largest city in El Salvador.
When Claudia, 26, masters the recipe she will add it to the menu of Tastes of Coatepeque, the bakery and catering company she co-owns with her sister Iliana.
Being business owners in the small Central American country comes against a difficult backdrop - engulfed by gang violence it is the world's most dangerous nation outside of a warzone, with 6,657 murders in 2015 - but Claudia says that the enterprise enables her and Iliana to earn a stable income.
"Our business is our own," say Claudia. "No-one gives us a paycheque, but no-one exploits us either."
The cookery class Claudia recently attended was organised by Woman's City (Ciudad Mujer), a government initiative to help women who have been victims of domestic violence.
The scheme was set up in 2011 because if El Salvador's overall crime rates weren't enough for Salvadorean women to endure, the country also has one of the world's highest rates of domestic violence.
"It has been one of my greatest limitations as a mother to have to depend on what he gives," she says.
Currently Iliana and her sister both earn about $250 (£200) from Tastes of Coatepeque during a quiet month, around the level of the country's minimum wage. However, in a good month, when they cater for more events, they can each earn as much as $600.
'Going to show him'
Nina Flores exudes confidence as she instructs her workers on proper tie-dye techniques.
El Salvador facts
A small country on the Pacific coast of Central America, with a population of 6.3 million
The most densely populated country in the whole of the Americas
It was ravaged by civil war from 1979 to 1992 between the military government and left-wing guerrilla groups
An estimated 75,000 people were killed before the 13-year conflict ended after a peace deal
Due to the persistent problem of violent street gangs it has the world's highest murder rate outside of a warzone
It was ruled by Spain for 300 years until independence was achieved in 1821
In just three years, Blue Moon has grown from a one-woman show to a 12-person business with products sold in boutiques all over the country.
After production costs, Nina makes $1,000 a month, a borderline middle-class income, which she says allows her a comfortable lifestyle.
She employs only women, giving them time off to be with their kids, and letting them work from home as long as they meet production goals.
'Became more confident'
Mabel Drejo, 66, had always earned her own money, first working as an architect and later as the administrator of an apartment complex after her husband died.
When she remarried, her second husband encouraged her to stay at home and she reluctantly agreed.