• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Mama Likes To Cook

California Orange County Food Blogger - Recipes Restaurants, Adventures & Travel

  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Lunch
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Round Ups
  • Reviews
  • Restaurants
    • Orange County
    • Los Angeles
    • California
    • United States
    • International
  • Travel
    • Orange County
    • Los Angeles
    • California
    • United States
    • International

Chef Alex Peña’s New Book: The Mexican Bakery 📖

March 1, 2026 by Valerie Mitchell

Pin
Share
X
Master the art of pan dulce with The Mexican Bakery by Chef Alex Peña. 🥐 This excellent cookbook offers step-by-step photos and clear instructions for beginners and pros. Plus, take a look at a recent event at Melissa’s Produce! 🍍

 

 

Pineapple Nidos and More Pan Dulce: My Day with Chef Alex Peña at Melissa’s Produce

the mexican bakery cookbook

Master the art of pan dulce with The Mexican Bakery by Chef Alex Peña. 🥐

This excellent cookbook offers step-by-step photos and clear instructions for beginners and pros.

Plus, take a look at a recent event at Melissa’s Produce! 🍍

🥐 The Evolution of Pan Dulce: Why The Mexican Bakery is an Excellent Kitchen Cookbook Essential

When you find a cookbook that perfectly balances high quality baking science with heart, you know you’ve found something special.

The Mexican Bakery by Chef Alex Peña is exactly that.

This excellent cookbook is a beautiful and comprehensive guide to Mexican pan dulce, preserving techniques that have been passed down through generations.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a book event with Chef Peña at the Melissa’s Produce HQ near Los Angeles. 

Now I’m inspired to make my own pan dulce instead of just picking them up at my local panaderia. 

mexican pan dulces

🧑🏼‍🍳 A Deep Dive into the Art of Baking

The Mexican Bakery is organized well and color coded to make finding specific recipes a breeze.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, the beautiful step-by-step photos will help you get good results.

  • Expert Pedigree: Chef Alex is a Master Baker and bread scientist who trained at Le Cordon Bleu and grew up in his family’s bakery, La Morenita.
  • Detailed Techniques: The book captures the evolution of Mexican baking in North America, acting as a bridge between old-world apprenticeships and modern home kitchens.

🍍 Event Highlights: Pineapple Nidos and Live Demos

At the Melissa’s Produce event, Chef Alex gave a good overview of the book and conducted live demonstrations.

We watched him craft Besos, Magdalena Dough, and my personal favorite, the Pineapple Nidos.

These were made with fresh Melissa’s pineapple, and seeing the Bizcocho dough come together was fascinating.

The menu served was a colorful celebration of Mexican flavors, including:

  • Chile Verde Tortas and 6 Bean Medley Refried Beans.
  • Melissa’s Party Guacamole and a Garden Salad with Marzano Tomatoes and mini cucumbers.
  • Refreshing Jamaica Agua Fresca and Horchata to wash it all down.

pineapple nidos

🌺 The Good Gift for Culinary Explorers

When you use The Mexican Bakery, you aren’t just following a recipe; you are participating in a journey of history and culture.

It is a good quality hardcover that belongs on the shelf of anyone who loves baking.

Additionally, it’s a good way to bring the fun of Melissa’s Produce into your baking.

🛒 Start Your Baking Evolution Today

Experience the shocking beauty of perfectly risen pan dulce.

Grab your apron and get ready to explore the fascinating world of Mexican bread!

chef pena mexican bakery cookbook

📖 The Mexican Bakery

The First Complete Guide to Mexican Pan Dulce for Home & Professional Bakers

isbn 9798993059006
Pub Date 9/14/25

Synopsis

For the first time, Chef Alex Peña brings the artistry of pan dulce into your kitchen, sharing a collection of carefully guarded family bakery recipes and time-tested techniques.

The Mexican Bakery showcases the rich history and evolution of Mexican pan dulce in North America.​

Author

Chef Alex Peña

besos cookies

More from Mama Likes To Cook 

Cookie Recipes

  • Peanut Flour Shortbread
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip Meyer Lemon Cookies
  • Cake Mix Apple Pie Cookies
  • Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
  • White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies
  • Chewy Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Walnut Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies
  • Soft & Chewy Gingersnaps
  • Caramel Apple Cookie Bars
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Pinwheels
  • PB&J Pinwheels
  • Pecan Date Pinwheels

Muffin Recipes

  • Easy Banana Walnut Muffins
  • Pumpkin Spice Muffins
  • Jalapeno Cheese Muffins
  • Keto Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
  • No Yeast English Muffins

Are you ready to have some delicious fun in the kitchen?

pan dulce mexican bakery cookbook

Pin
Share
X

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: cookbook, melissas, mexican

Previous Post: « Mezete Sauces Deliver Authentic Middle Eastern Flavors 🧄

Primary Sidebar

Follow Me

  • Bluesky
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Contact Me

Email: [email protected]

Search

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter


We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to
provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2026 Mama Likes To Cook. All Rights Reserved.