Mexican Made Easy — Season 5

Marcela and Margaritas? That's right, it's Cinco de Mayo! To kick off the party, Marcela's making a delicious Spiced Chicken coated in a luxurious Chocolate Pasilla Sauce. Then, a dish best made with extra sets of hands -- cheesy Tamales stuffed with Kale. Good thing she has friends coming over! Next, Marcela fries up the perfect party food to be passed around: Chorizo and Potato Flautas. Let's not forget the cocktail! As the guests mingle, Marcela mixes a Cucumber and Strawberry Margarita that is sure to get the masses cheering!

Marcela got her culinary chops from her momma but that's more than her sister, Carina, can say. This Mother's Day, Marcela and Carina are going to revive some family traditions and bring out their mother's recipes for the ultimate cooking challenge. Will Marcela be able to teach Carina how to make their mother's Polverones, a sweet walnut cookie, in time to celebrate with the kids? If not, that's OK, it's all about the love and Marcela has a few more dishes to share! First off, Tostadas, the perfect crunch topped with deliciously spicy chicken. Also, another one of their mother's favorites, pork slow cooked in a fresh Tomatillo salsa. Grab the kiddies and gather 'round because we're celebrating Mother's Day today on Mexican Made Easy!

Getting dinner on the table, let alone a cherished, authentic dish from your childhood, can be such a challenge! Marcela shares her favorite dishes from the Yucatan, done super easy, for the busy cook. To start, Marcela is making Cochinita Pibil, delicious slow cooked pork marinated in an orange and achiote sauce. Next, simple Panuchos, tortillas stuffed and cooked into a perfect "plate" for the pork. Then, a classic Mexican staple to keep in your fridge for everyday use, pickled Habanero chiles and red onions -- perfect for topping your Panuchos. She'll also make the best Guacamole you've ever had: simple with fresh, bright flavors. Don't forget to leave room for dessert! Marcela's making a Guava Pound Cake inspired by her mom. Get ready because Marcela's making these Mexican classics a cinch!

Marcela gets fresh with us and takes us to the ground ... to pick fresh vegetables, of course! Growing up eating produce straight from her father's farm, Marcela has always been inspired by the freshest fruits and vegetables she can find. At her favorite local farm, Suzie's, Marcela packs up a bounty of produce to make her delicious menu. First up, Pastel Azteca, an amazing, one-dish meal layered with Pablano peppers, melted Oaxaca cheese and tortillas. She'll also whip up a delicious Avacado and Cilantro dip, a perfect appetizer. Next, a warm Butternut Squash Salad tossed in homemade Tangerine-Rosemary Vinaigrette. To sweeten the deal, a beautiful, and simple, Strawberry Meringue Cake. Go ahead and ring the dinner bell because Marcela's bringing the farm fresh favorites!

Start your grills, today Marcela has a Mexican menu for every backyard barbecue! First up, her Poc Chuc Pepitos, delicious marinated steak sandwiches. Marcela pairs her steak sandwich with baby red potatoes, tossed on the grill, then finished with spicy Chipotle butter. Marcela continues the spice by stuffing fiery jalapeno chiles with cheese, wrapping them in bacon and throwing them on the grill for the perfect party kick. Even dessert gets grilled! She's grilling bananas and drizzling them with a spiced chocolate sauce. Indoor or outdoor there's a grill dish to delight everybody, straight from Mexican Made Easy.

Marcela introduces us to her Tia Marcela, her aunt and namesake, as they share some of their favorite family recipes and stories. From one side of the family we get savory Tuna Stuffed Chiles. From another side, the tradition of grandma's meatballs continues in a hearty Lamb Albondiga Soup. Combining Tia Marcela's recipes as well as her own, Marcela makes a savory Sweet Potato Casserole spiced up with Chipotle. Then Tia Marcela finishes things off with her own recipe for tart and refreshing tequila and grapefruit cocktail called Palomas, as they toast the traditions that brought them here!

Oaxaca is one of Marcela's favorite places in all of Mexico, and today she's showing us everything she loves about that city and its fascinating culinary traditions! Talk of food in Oaxaca always starts with Mole Negro, the quintessential sauce famous for its richness and layers of flavor. Next up, Tlayudas, a popular street food which is a kind of Mexican Pizza. Finally, a classic dish with a twist, Oaxacan marinated cheese. Done with fragrant herbs, it's great as an appetizer or for a party! Enjoy the trip as Marcela takes us through these dishes today on Mexican Made Easy.

Today, Marcela is bringing you into her kitchen to share all of the dishes she grew up with! She first makes Arroz Rojo, a traditional red rice. Then she'll whip together a condiment you'll find in refrigerators across the country, crisp Pickled Vegetables. Then there's the classic Caldo de Res, a delicious beef stew to warm up any home. And for dessert, Cajeta Gelatin: It's caramel-like yet light and creamy, and Marcela grew up on this smooth and rich sweet!

Marcela's cooking reels people into her kitchen but today we get to see what she can reel in from the ocean! Marcela and her son Fausto take to the seas of San Diego with her favorite fishmonger to try her luck with a fishing rod. She's going on board with a delicious Crab Avocado Salad to share on the boat as she and the fellas take a break from fishing. Back in her kitchen, Marcela will pan roast halibut in corn husks and make a chipotle cream shrimp that's bound to refuel even the hungriest of sailors. Not only that, Marcela is making fresh and light Lobster Agua Chile, a spiced Ahi Tuna quesadilla and washing it down with a refreshing Honeydew margarita! Get ready to get hooked on these delicious summer seafood recipes!

Today, Marcela shows us just how versatile salsa, the quintessential Mexican condiment, really is as she prepares a delicious, smoky salsa out of Guajillo chiles as well as a fresh, bright Mango Habanero Salsa. Marcela uses these two salsas to make other delicious dishes. The Guajillo Salsa is a perfect base for a slow cooked pork dish know as Enchilado, but then she breaks out the shellfish and uses the same salsa to spice up some Shrimp and Cheese Enchiladas. Next, the Mango and Habanero salsa is spooned over grilled Sea Bass for a refreshing entree and then, Marcela uses the Mango and Habanero salsa to make a Guacamole with a seriously high "wow" factor. Get ready to dance with salsa, today on Mexican Made Easy!

When it comes to dessert, Mexico has been influenced by many flavors from around the globe, and today Marcela shows us some of her favorites! Inspired by the '50s boom of cake mixes, Marcela marries layers of rich, creamy flan and chocolate cake in a Choco Flan that will make your mouth water! Next, light and delicious crepes: Stuffed with pecans, bananas and the classic Mexican caramel called Cajeta, these crepes will turn heads. Then, Marcela makes kid-friendly Caramel popcorn balls that satisfy with a sweet and salty crunch! And finally, an Aztec Hot Chocolate spiced with chile and cinnamon: the perfect treat!

Marcela always includes her son in the kitchen, but today she's going out to teach other kids the importance of good food! At Olivewood Gardens, Marcela picks vegetables with the kids and prepares a healthy Bean, Cauliflower and Cheese Burrito that's sure get an A from the class. The base of these burritos are rich and lightly spiced Chorizo Refried Beans that kids will adore. Back in the kitchen, Marcella prepares simple and delicious Ground Beef Empanadas and Chicken Tostadas. Get the kids ready because they've got plenty of cooking to do!

Mexico is full of incredible and light flavors that will fuel even the busiest of bodies. After yoga class, Marcela shows how she doesn't sacrifice flavor for nutrients when she makes Salpicon, a marinated, shredded beef salad stacked on grilled tostadas, then topped with a fresh and simple Pineapple Salsa. Next, a fresh Shrimp Ceviche bursting with citrus. Finally, to wash it all down, a thirst-quenching Agua Fresca featuring melon and mint. Get out your headbands because Marcela is going to work it out in the kitchen!