The host of the highly popular PBS show Pati's Mexican Table shares
everyday Mexican dishes, from the traditional to creative twists.
Pati Jinich has a mission. She's out to prove that Mexican home cooking
is quicker and far easier than most Americans think.
Surprising in their simplicity and freshness, Pati's recipes incorporate
produce and grains. Most important, they fit perfectly into an everyday
family cooking schedule and use just a handful of ingredients, most of
which are already in your pantry. Many are homey specialties that Pati
learned from her mother and grandmother, some are creative spins on
classics, while others are not well known outside of Mexico.
Dishes like Chicken à la Trash (it's delicious!), a one-pot meal that
Pati gleaned from a Mexican restaurant cook; Mexican Meatballs with Mint
and Chipotle; Sweet and Salty Salmon; and Mexican-Style Pasta can
revitalize your daily repertoire. You'll find plenty of vegetarian fare,
from Classic Avocado Soup, to Divorced Eggs (with red and green salsa),
to Oaxaca-Style Mushroom and Cheese Quesadillas.
Your friends and family will enjoy Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with
Pickled Ancho Chile Vinaigrette; Crab Cakes with Jalapeño Aioli; and
Chicken Tinga--(you can use rotisserie chicken), which makes a tasty
filling for tortas and tostadas. Pati also shares exciting dishes for
the holidays and other special occasions, including Mexican Thanksgiving
Turkey with Chorizo, Pecan, Apple, and Corn Bread Stuffing; Spiral-Cut
Beef Tenderloin; and Red Pozole ("a Mexican party in a bowl"), which she
served on her wedding day. Desserts like Triple Orange Mexican Wedding
Cookies, Scribble Cookies (sandwich cookies filled with chocolate), and
little Apricot-Lime Glazed Mini Pound Cakes are sophisticated yet simple
to make.
