Flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sea of Cortez to the east, the sun-soaked Baja peninsula is Mexico's undiscovered "West," with its stark desert landscapes, secluded coves and striking mountains. Season eight of "MEXICO - ONE PLATE AT A TIME WITH RICK BAYLESS" follows chef-restaurateur-author Rick Bayless on his travels from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas to explore the cuisine and culture of this region of Mexico.
Recipes from Chef Rick Bayless
Explore the wonders of the Mexican kitchen with recipes from award-winning cookbooks by Rick Bayless and the PBS cooking show, MEXICO - ONE PLATE AT A TIME. In addition, you'll find seasonal menu ideas, details on essential Mexican ingredients, suggested wine pairings and exclusive new recipes from the kitchens of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo and the Bayless home.
All season long, Rick seeks out authentic Baja cuisine, venturing into local markets, hidden-treasure taco stands and off-the-beaten-path restaurants. Back in his Chicago kitchen, Rick translates the dishes from Baja's progressive chefs, locals, vendors and winemakers into easy-to-replicate recipes for the home cook.
"Cooking On The Sea Of Cortez" - Rick is always up for a cooking challenge. After a day spent boating and kayaking on the Sea of Cortez with a local ecotourism group, Rick grills dinner for the group on the beach at Espiritu Santo Island — one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world. The waters surrounding the island support coral reefs, colonies of sea lions and more than 500 species of fish.
To stock up on supplies, Rick shops in the La Paz market for local cheese, fresh produce and chiles and on the island purchases seafood from a fisherman. Along the way, Rick learns from his guides about flying manta rays, dolphins and the local flora. Then he grills fish and makes a stunning papaya salsa on the beach. All of Rick's recipes from season eight are available online.
Chef Bayless is on Facebook, and you can follow @Rick_Bayless on Twitter.
UP NEXT: KPBS will broadcast season nine of MEXICO - ONE PLATE AT A TIME beginning Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 3 p.m.
