Ep 9. Xochimilco: Cooking with Flowers

Pati's Mexican Table season 2 episode 9 is titled Xochimilco: Cooking with Flowers. In this episode, Pati takes viewers on a journey to the lush canals and floating gardens of Xochimilco, a town just outside of Mexico City. Xochimilco is famous for its colorful trajineras, boats that float down the canals and provide a lively setting for eating, drinking and celebrating.

Pati visits a local florist and picks up an array of colorful flowers, from marigolds and roses to nasturtiums and pansies. She explains that flowers have been used in Mexican cuisine since pre-Hispanic times, adding color, flavor and aroma to sweet and savory dishes alike.

Back in the kitchen, Pati gets to work creating a menu of flower-infused dishes. She starts with a refreshing cucumber and hibiscus agua fresca, a sweet and tart drink made from fresh hibiscus flowers, which are said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Next up is a summery salad of watercress, radishes, jicama and marigold petals, tossed with a tangy lime dressing that balances the sweetness of the flowers.

For the main course, Pati prepares shrimp in a smoky chipotle sauce, served with a side of rice with hibiscus flowers. The bright crimson color of the hibiscus petals adds visual interest to the rice, and they also lend a tangy, fruity flavor that complements the spice of the chipotle.

Finally, for dessert, Pati makes a classic Mexican treat – candied pumpkin, or calabaza en tacha. The pumpkin is simmered in a syrup made from brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves until tender and caramelized, and then served with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of rose petals.

Throughout the episode, Pati shares insights about the cultural significance of flowers in Mexican cuisine, as well as tips for using flowers in dishes at home. She also showcases the vibrant and festive spirit of Xochimilco, which is not only a culinary destination but also a hub for music, dancing and all-around joyous celebration. By the end of the episode, viewers will be inspired to add a touch of floral flair to their own cooking, and perhaps even plan a trip to Xochimilco to experience the magic firsthand.