Ep 7. Selena + Marcela Valladolid

In episode 7 of Selena + Chef season 2, Selena is joined by renowned chef Marcela Valladolid. Marcela teaches Selena how to make a traditional Mexican dish, tamales, while also incorporating some fun twists and unique flavors. Marcela's energy and passion for cooking are infectious, and she offers Selena some great tips and tricks throughout their time in the kitchen.

The episode begins with Marcela giving Selena a brief history of tamales and how they are traditionally made in Mexican cuisine. Selena admits that she has never attempted to make them before, but is excited for the challenge. Marcela guides Selena through the process of preparing the masa (dough) for the tamales, which involves mixing ingredients such as cornflour, baking powder, and salt.

While the masa rests, Selena and Marcela chat about their experiences growing up in Mexican households and the importance of food in their culture. They also discuss how food can bring people together and create special memories. Selena shares how cooking has become a therapeutic and creative outlet for her during the pandemic, and Marcela agrees that cooking can be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.

Once the masa is ready, Marcela shows Selena how to assemble the tamales with pork, green chili, and cheese. Selena is a bit intimidated by the process at first, but Marcela's guidance and encouragement help her gain confidence as they work together. The two also experiment with some non-traditional fillings, such as mushroom and goat cheese, and discuss how different ingredients can be substituted to create unique variations on the classic dish.

As the tamales steam, Selena and Marcela take a break to enjoy some tequila and mezcal cocktails, along with a fresh cucumber and jicama salad. They talk about the importance of taking time to slow down and appreciate the small things in life, like a good meal and good company.

When the tamales are ready, Selena and Marcela eagerly unwrap them and dig in. Selena is thrilled with how they turned out, and Marcela praises her for being a quick learner and natural in the kitchen. They discuss ways to serve the tamales, such as with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and Selena excitedly plans to share the dish with her friends and family.

Overall, Selena + Chef season 2 episode 7 with guest chef Marcela Valladolid is a fun and educational cooking experience. Selena and Marcela's chemistry is great, and their shared love of Mexican cuisine shines through in their conversation and culinary creations. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this episode offers plenty of inspiration and encouragement to try something new and embrace the joy of cooking.