Ep 3. Mojo-ho Christmas

In the third episode of Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi's second season, viewers are treated to a joyous holiday celebration in San Antonio, Texas as Padma explores the local cuisine and traditions. The episode titled 'Mojo-ho Christmas' opens with Padma walking through the colorful and lively Christmas market in the city, admiring the various decorations and festivities.

Viewers are introduced to Ana, a third-generation Mexican-American resident who shares her family's treasured Christmas traditions with Padma. Ana explains how her family's Christmas celebrations fuse both Mexican and American traditions, creating a unique blend. She shows Padma how to make tamales, which are a staple during the holiday season, and also shares her recipe for champurrado, a traditional Mexican hot chocolate made with masa.

As Padma delves deeper into the city's history, she learns about the influence of German immigrants on the local cuisine and holiday traditions. She meets with Chef Stefan Bowers, who shows her how to make his signature Christmas dish, roasted goose, which is a traditional German Christmas meal. She also visits a local bakery that specializes in German-style holiday treats and learns about the history of stollen, a sweet bread that is a staple during the Christmas season.

One of the most unique parts of the episode is when Padma visits the home of the Magic Theatre, a community theater group that puts on an annual Christmas show. The show is a beloved tradition in San Antonio, and Padma gets to watch a rehearsal and talk to some of the performers about what the show means to them. She also learns about the different types of Mexican masquerade masks that are used in the show, which have both religious and cultural significance.

Throughout the episode, Padma emphasizes the importance of sharing food and traditions with family and friends during the holiday season. She also highlights San Antonio's vibrant and diverse community, showing how different cultures can come together and create a beautiful blend of traditions. The episode ends with Ana and her family enjoying their homemade tamales and champurrado, surrounded by loved ones during a joyful holiday celebration.

Overall, 'Mojo-ho Christmas' is a heartwarming and festive episode that showcases the unique Christmas traditions of San Antonio, Texas. Padma's passion for food and culture shines through as she explores the varied cuisine and customs of the city, highlighting the importance of coming together during the holiday season. Viewers will be inspired to embrace their own family's traditions and take part in the joy and togetherness that the Christmas season brings.