Great Chefs: Specials Season 1 Episode 9 Specials: Mexican Madness
- TV-PG
- April 13, 1996
In Great Chefs season 1 episode 9, viewers are treated to the best in Mexican cuisine with the episode titled Specials: Mexican Madness. As the name suggests, the episode is geared towards Mexican dishes, and viewers are in for an exciting and flavorful ride as they watch some of the best chefs in the world whip up dishes that are both familiar and exotic.
The show opens with a tantalizing appetizer by Chef Adolfo Garcia, who prepares his popular queso flameado with chorizo and avocado. The dish is not only mouth-watering, but it also serves as a great introduction to the show, as it sets the tone for what viewers can expect for the rest of the episode.
Next up is Chef Susan Feniger, who prepares a delicious cocktail, a blood orange margarita. The presentation is as impressive as the flavor, as the drink is served in a large glass with a salted rim and a slice of blood orange. The drink is refreshing, and Chef Feniger gives the recipe for anyone who wants to try their hand at making it at home.
Chef Johnny Hernandez takes viewers through the process of making tacos al pastor, a popular street food in Mexico. Hernandez grills the pork and grinds it to create perfectly spiced, flavorful meat that he serves on a soft tortilla. He garnishes the tacos with a pineapple slice and a sprinkle of cilantro, offering viewers a glimpse into the complex layers of flavor that make Mexican cuisine so popular.
Chef Iliana de la Vega shows viewers how to prepare mole negro, a complex and time-consuming sauce that is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Mole is made with a variety of ingredients, including chiles, nuts, seeds, and spices, and each ingredient is carefully selected to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. de la Vega serves her mole with both chicken and pork, giving viewers the opportunity to see how the sauce works with different meats.
Viewers are then treated to a dessert by Chef Patricia Quintana, who prepares her famous flan de cajeta. The dessert is a twist on a traditional flan, which is made with caramelized sugar and eggs. Chef Quintana adds cajeta, a sweet and creamy caramel sauce made with goat's milk, over the top of the flan, serving it with a sprinkle of shaved chocolate. The dessert is the perfect way to end the episode on a sweet note.
Throughout the episode, the chefs not only demonstrate their incredible culinary skills, but they also share their passion for Mexican cuisine, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the food's cultural significance. As each chef takes viewers through their chosen dish, they explain the ingredients, techniques, and history behind the food, offering a glimpse into the complex world of Mexican cuisine.
Overall, Great Chefs season 1 episode 9, Specials: Mexican Madness, is a must-watch for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine or who is looking to learn more about it. The episode is an excellent primer for those new to the cuisine, providing an overview of some of the most popular dishes and ingredients, while also offering deeper insights for those who are already familiar with the food. The chefs featured are among the best in the world, and their passion and expertise are evident in every dish they create. From appetizers to desserts, there's something for everyone in this flavorful and exciting episode.