Mexico: One Plate at a Time — Season 1, Episode 25: Cajeta & Flan: Plaza Sweets
Documentary • 25 min • 12 seasons, 168 episodes
Episode synopsis
When the Spanish conquered Mexico in the 16th Century, they brought with them all kinds of foods that the pre-Columbian world had never seen. Among those foods was sugar–and actually, the whole idea of sweets. Standing in the kitchen of the Convent of Santa Rosa in Puebla, Rick tells us that it was the Spanish nuns, in convent kitchens just like this one, who introduced Mexico to confection-making as a way to preserve dairy products. They turned out all kinds of sweets based on eggs, milk and sugar, and among their greatest hits was a rich amber goat’s milk caramel called cajeta. Next stop: the Dulceria de Celaya in Mexico city–a century-old sweet shop where traditional, homemade cajeta lives on. Back home in Chicago, Rick walks us through the process of making Cajeta, then takes us back to Mexico for a brief seminar on cinnamon. His rustic Cajeta Apple Tarts with Fruit Salsa are easy to make and a great way to showcase homemade cajeta.
About Mexico: One Plate at a Time
Rick Bayless, the beloved chef and restaurateur, seamlessly weaves together techniques, recipes, cultural musings and off-the-wall surprises. Throughout the series, Rick translates his Mexican travel adventures into unforgettable parties from intimate fireside suppers and casual backyard cocktails with friends to big, boisterous bashes for 25.
More episodes from Season 1
- E1The Whole Enchilada
- E2Let's Talk Tacos
- E3The Straight Cheese On Quesadillas
- E4Sopes And Gorditas: Masa Appeal
- E5Tacos From The Ground Up
- E6Ceviche In The Limelight
- E7Green Sauce And Tomatillos: Mexican Vine Dining
- E8A La Mexicana: The Soul Of Mexican Cooking
- E9Fruit, Aguas, Ices & Paletas: The Ripe Stuff
- E10Rice to the Occasion
- E11Caldo de Pollo & Tortilla Soup: The Super Bowl
- E12Chiles Rellenos and Other Cool Stuff