Episode 601: Return to Hacienda, Rick Bayless 'Mexico: One Plate at a Time'

The 19th Century was the golden age of the Mexican hacienda, and today, some of these great plantation estates live on as luxury resorts. Rick and his wife, Deann, stayed in one of them, Hacienda San Jose in the Yucatan, and we get a glimpse of the lush grounds, beautifully restored buildings, rustic-elegant furnishings, and hearty, hacienda cooking.

Tonight, Rick’s hosting a dinner party in Chicago—a reunion with the two other couples who joined them at the hacienda—with a menu and mood designed to bring home the flavors and memories they shared. The dining room is transformed with tropical flowers and candles, and the party begins with Champagne Margaritas, Rick’s luxury take on Mexico’s favorite cocktail.

Then, the guests sit down to a soulful yet sophisticated menu, starting with a creamy Roasted Chile-Potato Soup with Greens and Chorizo, followed by Braised Short Ribs with Arbol Chiles, White Beans, Mushrooms and Beer garnished with a delicate frisée salad. And for dessert, there’s the seemingly impossible Pastel Imposible—also known as Chocoflan—a chocolate cake and custard confection whose layers magically reverse themselves in the pan during baking.

It’s a dinner party that’s extra-special, but not extra-fancy—and every bit as magical as the evenings Rick and his friends enjoyed in “hacienda heaven.”

Recipes of the Episode:

[dianadambrosio]

I am such a fan of Rick. I continue to this day to watch every video he puts out. I have to say, the theatrics and the stop breath and reading from the Teleprompter kind of thing, his daughter does the same thing. It's so them, so great and so Rick. Love you lots and continue to make all of these videos! Look forward to seeing each one you put out for us 😊

[tommaj]

Chef John mentioned you in his video today. Always good to be name-dropped, might bring some new viewers your way!

[sjoerdbode]

this recipe looks amazing, gonna try it next week. Nice

[rogertemple]

There is always a lot of delicious food being cooked
and baked here Thanks Rick.🇺🇲🫑🧅🧄🥦🇲🇽

[pruetoricangirl]

So is the potato soup called Sopa caldo Verde

[gcalivol]

I love Mexico City but my stomach never loves me when I return home!

[Klayhed]

How do get an invite to one of your dinners, Rick?! 😂

[StevenBallinger-fnlk]

Your ChocoFlan recipe link posted is completely different than your video???

[leedoss]

The South in the US ain't got nothin on the Spanish in Mexico.

[rerun]

I just learn Skip Bayless is your older brother. Does he cook good BBQ like you?

[HolyDiverBronco]

Your videos seem to be waaay too scripted is not a good move. Just make cooking videos and don't worry about having lines and posing....just an FYI