Story of forbidden love that takes place on a ranch in Mexico near the Texas border in 1910, during the Mexican Revolution. Pedro wishes to marry Tita, the youngest of three daughters of a willful widow on a remote ranch, but tradition dictates that the youngest daughter can never marry--she must cook and care for her mother. To remain near his true love, Pedro marries Tita's oldest sister, and Tita establishes a highly unusual sensual relationship with Pedro through the food she prepares for him.