Ep 9. Big Bite Baja Holiday Bash

In this episode of Food Network Holidays, season 3 episode 9, viewers are in for a fiesta as host Katie Lee throws a Big Bite Baja Holiday Bash. With the holidays in full swing, Katie Lee brings together bright and bold flavors in a festive celebration that marries traditional Mexican ingredients with holiday classics.

The episode opens with Kate Lee heading to the local farmers market in search of fresh and seasonal produce to use in her recipes. Viewers get a glimpse of the markets, filled with a vibrant array of colors, textures and flavors, as Katie Lee discusses how important it is to source locally grown and fresh ingredients for her cooking.

Back in the kitchen, viewers are treated to a variety of recipes that showcase the coastal cuisine of Baja, California. The first dish Katie Lee prepares is a traditional pozole, a hearty stew made with pork, hominy and spices. Katie Lee adds a twist to the recipe by incorporating cranberries, which add a tartness to the dish that complements the spiciness of the chili-infused broth. She also serves up a side of sweet tamales, stuffed with pumpkin and topped with a spicy mole sauce.

Viewers are then transported to the sandy beaches of Baja with Katie Lee's take on a lobster ceviche. She uses fresh and tender lobster meat, marinating it in a tangy citrus dressing with bell peppers, cilantro, and a mixture of chiles. The dish is bright, refreshing, and full of bold flavors.

For the main course, Katie Lee prepares a slow-cooked pork shoulder that's been marinated in a blend of garlic, cumin, and chili powder. The resulting meat is tender and succulent, falling apart at the slightest touch. She serves the pork with a side of poblano rice that's been cooked with spices and roasted corn.

No holiday feast is complete without a sweet finale, and Katie Lee's dessert is a showstopper. She whips up a batch of churros, a classic Mexican dessert, and serves them with a decadent chocolate dipping sauce. She then takes it a step further by using the same churro dough to make a holiday-inspired wreath that's drizzled with a spiced honey glaze.

Throughout the episode, Katie Lee shares tips and tricks for entertaining during the holidays, including setting a festive table, making cocktails, and creating a menu that incorporates traditional flavors with unexpected twists. The episode ends with Katie Lee welcoming her guests to her Baja holiday bash, as they gather around the table to enjoy the delicious feast she's prepared.

Overall, Big Bite Baja Holiday Bash is a fun and flavorful episode of Food Network Holidays that highlights the vibrant seasonings and ingredients of Mexican cuisine. Katie Lee's cooking is creative and inspired, and viewers will enjoy seeing how she puts her own unique spin on classic holiday dishes.