Claudette Zepeda’s Secret Ingredients for Bigger, Bolder Flavor
From The Dinner Plan by Maggie Hoffman
June 1, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 106
About this episode
Chef Claudette Zepeda shares her secret ingredients and techniques for enhancing flavor in everyday meals.
If you looked in chef Claudette Zepeda's fridge, you’ll likely find the sauce she needs to turn a Costco rotisserie chicken into quick weeknight enchiladas for her kids, but there are a few more key flavor boosters, which she tells us all about in this episode of The Dinner Plan. Claudette shares some of the techniques and iconic Mexican dishes highlighted in her new cookbook, Cooking the Borderlands , plus the story of her attempt to recreate the original Caesar salad to the exacting requirements of the family that owns Caesar's Restaurant in Tijuana, where the dish originated. Head over to TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com for a free recipe preview and a chance to win a copy of the book. ___ Thanks to this week’s sponsors: TCHO Chocolate: If you’re a chef, baker, or maker in the sweets business, request a chocolate sample at TCHOpro.com Made In Cookware: Visit madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer. Straus Family Creamery: Find Straus organic ice cream at Whole Foods nationwide or at strausfamilycreamery.com . Masienda: Use code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off ingredients and cookware at Masienda.com . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Host: Maggie Hoffman
Guest: Claudette Zepeda
Topics covered
- cooking techniques
- Mexican cuisine
- family meals
- cookbooks
- flavor enhancement
Keywords
- flavor boosters
- enchiladas
- Caesar salad
- cookbook
- Mexican dishes
Sponsors
TCHO Chocolate, Made In Cookware, Straus Family Creamery, Masienda
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Caesar's Restaurant
Books & works: Cooking the Borderlands
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