Recipe developer and chef Rick Martínez traveled over 20,000 miles to write his brand-new cookbook. Here's everything he learned about Mexican food and himself!
Perfected over a lifetime, Marcela opens the family cookbook and shares some favorites including authentic Baja-Style Beer-Battered Fish Tacos served with a fiery, fresh tequila-infused Drunken Salsa and lemon cream sauce. For dessert, her family’s ultimate Choco-Flan, half chocolate cake and half flan drizzled with a creamy caramel-like topping.
Marcela's family and friend's gather for her son Fausto's birthday and are treated to a monsters-and-aliens-themed menu of Out-of-this World Cupcakes oozing a warm, creamy, caramel-like filling (cajeta), Flying Saucer Mini-Pizzas with Fausto's favorite toppings, chorizo and cheese and Monster Fruit Pops enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Marcela gets fresh with us and takes us to the ground ... to pick fresh vegetables, of course! Growing up eating produce straight from her father's farm, Marcela has always been inspired by the freshest fruits and vegetables she can find. At her favorite local farm, Suzie's, Marcela packs up a bounty of produce to make her delicious menu. First up, Pastel Azteca, an amazing, one-dish meal layered with Pablano peppers, melted Oaxaca cheese and tortillas. She'll also whip up a delicious Avacado and Cilantro dip, a perfect appetizer. Next, a warm Butternut Squash Salad tossed in homemade Tangerine-Rosemary Vinaigrette. To sweeten the deal, a beautiful, and simple, Strawberry Meringue Cake. Go ahead and ring the dinner bell because Marcela's bringing the farm fresh favorites!
Today, Marcela is bringing you into her kitchen to share all of the dishes she grew up with! She first makes Arroz Rojo, a traditional red rice. Then she'll whip together a condiment you'll find in refrigerators across the country, crisp Pickled Vegetables. Then there's the classic Caldo de Res, a delicious beef stew to warm up any home. And for dessert, Cajeta Gelatin: It's caramel-like yet light and creamy, and Marcela grew up on this smooth and rich sweet!
Marcela and Margaritas? That's right, it's Cinco de Mayo! To kick off the party, Marcela's making a delicious Spiced Chicken coated in a luxurious Chocolate Pasilla Sauce. Then, a dish best made with extra sets of hands -- cheesy Tamales stuffed with Kale. Good thing she has friends coming over! Next, Marcela fries up the perfect party food to be passed around: Chorizo and Potato Flautas. Let's not forget the cocktail! As the guests mingle, Marcela mixes a Cucumber and Strawberry Margarita that is sure to get the masses cheering!
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Marcela! This tasty, easy-to-make menu features a festive food line-up perfect for any occasion - including chunky guacamole with serrano peppers, steak quesadillas, yellow chiles bursting with spicy shrimp, and ice cold piña colada pops.
Marcela introduces us to her Tia Marcela, her aunt and namesake, as they share some of their favorite family recipes and stories. From one side of the family we get savory Tuna Stuffed Chiles. From another side, the tradition of grandma's meatballs continues in a hearty Lamb Albondiga Soup. Combining Tia Marcela's recipes as well as her own, Marcela makes a savory Sweet Potato Casserole spiced up with Chipotle. Then Tia Marcela finishes things off with her own recipe for tart and refreshing tequila and grapefruit cocktail called Palomas, as they toast the traditions that brought them here!