Ep 4. Maestros Del Pan
- October 6, 2022
- 24 min
Pati's Mexican Table season 11 episode 4, titled "Maestros Del Pan," is an exciting and informative exploration of different types of traditional Mexican bread. Host Pati Jinich takes viewers on a journey to meet expert bakers, or maestros del pan, throughout Mexico.
In this episode, Jinich visits the state of Oaxaca to witness the baking of pan de yema, a sweet and eggy bread that's a local specialty. She talks to a master baker, Don Porfirio Santiago, who reveals his secrets for making light and fluffy pan de yema. He even lets Jinich help shape the dough into perfectly round loaves before they are baked to golden perfection.
Next, Jinich heads to Mexico City to visit La Vasconia, the city's oldest French-style bakery. She talks to the current owner, who tells the history of the bakery and how it came to be a fixture in Mexico City's culinary scene. Jinich tries their famous croissants and chats with the head bread baker, who demonstrates how they make their signature bolillo rolls.
Finally, Jinich heads to the state of Zacatecas to meet Alma Rosa Guzmán, a woman who has made it her life's work to preserve the tradition of baking pan de cruz. This unique bread is made with a cross-shaped indentation in the center and is traditionally eaten during Easter time. Guzmán shows Jinich how to shape the dough into intricate knots and crosses before they are baked to a beautiful golden brown.
Throughout the episode, Jinich is not only a curious observer but also an enthusiastic participant, trying her hand at shaping dough and getting down in the trenches with the bakers. She also shares interesting facts about the history and cultural significance of each type of bread, as well as offering tips for how to enjoy them at home.
Overall, "Maestros Del Pan" is a fascinating and mouthwatering look at the diverse and delicious world of Mexican breads. From sweet and eggy to savory and crusty, viewers will be inspired to seek out these unique breads for themselves and perhaps even try their hand at making them at home.
