PATI'S MEXICAN TABLE: Season 2

The second season of PATI'S MEXICAN TABLE dives deeper into both Mexico and the United States to explore some of the simple, approachable, mouth-watering dishes and ingredients that fuel host Pati Jinich's cuisine.

This season, Pati visits her favorite south-of-the-border spots to uncover French twists on Mexican cooking, easy comfort food, fun birthday party treats, spicy tequila concoctions and hearty, back-to-basics meals. She marvels at the legendary floating gardens of Xochimilco, steps into the ring with lucha libre masked wrestlers, and ventures into the heart of the colonial city of Puebla, one of Mexico's culinary hubs, for a taste of the real Mexico.

At the same time, Pati demystifies some of the more exotic ingredients in Mexican cooking by demonstrating how to find and handle cactus paddles, zucchini flowers, guava paste and more. She then combines these ingredients with recognizable, everyday staples like ground beef, chicken, oranges or pecans.

"Classic Mexican Food Battles" airs Saturday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. - Jump into a Lucha Libre ring and experience the kind of fighting spirit that fuels a great love of Mexican food. These classic recipes provoke heated discussions in Mexico, but are perfectly tasty regardless of which twist on ingredients you prefer. Recipes include: Enchiladas in Red Tomato Sauce; Tampico-Style Steak Combo; Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones).

"School Lunch with a Mexican Twist" airs Saturday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. - The same foods that parents pack into a hearty school lunch in Mexico are perfect for school lunchtime in America. These dishes are so tasty and filling, even grownups will want to take them to work! Recipes include: Street-Style Cut-Up Fruits and Vegetables; Ham and Cheese Torta Sandwiches; Juju's Birthday Cake (with a Brownie Twist).

"A French Twist on Mexico" airs Saturday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. - A tasty look at the way French cuisine has historically influenced modern Mexican cooking, and simple techniques any American cook can manage with impressive results. Recipes include: Snapper in a Poblano Chile Sauce; Blissful Corn Torte; Cajeta Crêpes with Toasted Pecans.

"Easy Comfort Food" airs Saturday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. - Simple, easy, home-style cuisine that you'd find in just about any Mexican home, recreated for the American kitchen. This meal was Pati’s favorite “everyday” meal growing up in Mexico, and one she regularly makes for her own family today. She's proud to share the steps so that you can enjoy it, too! Recipes include: Dressed-up Chicken Milanesa; Chayote Squash and Pickled Onion Salad; Chunky Chipotle Mashed Potatoes.

"Mexican-Style Kids’ Party" airs Saturday, November 3 at 4 p.m. - Fun, kid-friendly and (mostly!) finger food that you'd find at a children's party in Mexico, adapted for American parties at home. A special guest shows up to make dessert! Recipes include: Crazy Corn; Chicken Flautas; Chocolate and Cajeta Cupcakes.

"Fonda Favorites" airs Saturday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. - These home-style dishes are a staple at the small restaurants known as "fondas" in Mexico — and delicious inspiration for busy cooks in American homes today. Make them once, and they'll become a simple but special treat in your own kitchen. Recipes include: Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce (Albóndigas); White Rice and Fried Plantains; Tres Leches Cake.

"Family-Style Breakfast" airs Saturday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. - The breakfast of your dreams, prepared by Pati and her sister Alisa. This episode includes both quick, simple dishes and ones meant for a deliciously messy morning feast. Recipes include: Mexican French Toast Rolls (Dedos Gitanos); Green Chilaquiles in Roasted Tomatillo Sauce; Alisa's Marbled Pound Cake.

*The air dates for the final six episodes of season two are to be announced.