Ep 1. Cinco de Mayo

Mexican Made Easy season 5 episode 1, titled "Cinco de Mayo," celebrates the festive holiday that commemorates Mexico's victory over France in 1862. In this episode, Mexican chef Marcela Valladolid prepares a variety of colorful and flavorful dishes that are perfect for any Cinco de Mayo celebration.

The episode starts with Valladolid heading to a local market to gather fresh ingredients for her recipes. She discusses the significance of Cinco de Mayo and how it is celebrated in Mexico and the United States. As she shops, she picks up an assortment of fruits, vegetables, meats, and spices that she will use to create her dishes.

First up is Valladolid's take on a classic Mexican dish - chiles rellenos. She stuffs poblano peppers with a mixture of ground beef, cheese, and spices before frying them to a crispy golden brown. She tops them with a tomato sauce that is sweet, savory, and slightly spicy.

Next, Valladolid moves on to the star of the show - a giant roasted pork leg. She rubs the meat with a blend of spices and marinates it for several hours before roasting it in the oven until it is tender and juicy. She serves it with an array of sides, including charro beans and a tangy mango salad.

For dessert, Valladolid whips up a batch of easy and delicious cinnamon sugar churros. She pipes the dough into long strips and fries them until they are crispy and golden brown. She sprinkles them with cinnamon sugar and serves them with a thick chocolate dipping sauce.

Throughout the episode, Valladolid is charismatic and engaging, sharing her tips and tricks for creating authentic Mexican cuisine at home. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh ingredients and takes the time to explain the specific flavor profiles of each dish.

Overall, "Cinco de Mayo" is a fun and informative episode of Mexican Made Easy that is sure to inspire viewers to host their own festive Cinco de Mayo celebration. With its mouth-watering recipes, lively atmosphere, and expert cooking advice, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine.