Claudia&Julia's Blog

I have a great fondness for a tool that is not commonly seen, and that allows me to achieve results with meats, fish and even vegetables that are truly wonderful. It is the Nordic Ware smoker, a unique product.

Often, when you think about buying a frying pan, you ask us: Which frying pan should I buy that works for everything and doesn't stick at all? And also: “Which frying pan can I buy that is non-stick and not harmful to health?” We'd love to have the perfect frying pan: economical, lightweight, durable, versatile, non-stick and totally natural. The problem, to be honest, is that that perfect frying pan doesn't exist.

It's been a long time since we've worked with Kitchen Craft products, and some of you may have noticed that lately we've added more items from this brand. The truth is I have a special fondness for this brand — it gives me a feeling that somehow intoxicates me, inspires me, and I think they have a character, a vibe, that fits very well with the Claudia&Julia style.

Many of us already have a fondue at home. It has become an ideal gift, and it's a delight to own one. But it's also true that some have it stashed away and, honestly, I think that's a real shame! Fondue is a practical kitchen utensil — one with which you can sort out a lunch or dinner quickly — it's fun for diners, it's easy to prepare and to clean — important, right? — and also, from my experience, it encourages conversation and livens up meals, since it is, so to speak, a group activity, a dish to share that invites conversation.

The first time Jordi brought me an Opinel knife for me to see I loved it. A simple, understated design with a good grip and exceptional cutting quality. Later, I discovered that behind the Opinel brand lies a century-old tradition (Opinel is the family name of those who created and have been making them), and that there are many particularities that make these pocket knives a unique and highly respected item. For all these reasons, I want to share some of the curiosities about this brand — quite interesting, I think! — that make me like it even more.

Frying food is commonly considered an unhealthy option, since we add more oil to foods than when using other cooking methods. Today we'll see that not everything is a disadvantage and how we can make and enjoy good fried food.

A few days ago I announced that our shop already had the book La mesa del pecado available. It is a fantastic book created by eight food bloggers, some of whom are regular contributors to this blog and great friends of Claudia&Julia.

Far from making just homemade yogurt, in the yogurt maker you can prepare countless desserts (why else would they call it Multidelices Yogurt Maker?), from custards and creams to puddings, flans, fresh cheese or even cakes. After all, a electric yogurt maker is a steam-cooking appliance.

Surely many of you have cooked quiches. A quiche is a savory tart from French cuisine. The original recipe originated in the Lorraine region, in northeastern France. Hence its name: 'Quiche Lorraine'.

Crème Brûlée, Trinity Cream, leche quemada, crema quemada o Catalan cream, this creamy dessert is one of my favorites to make. It brings back very fond memories of when I was little.

I have a bit of a weakness for discovering new flavors and experiencing different sensations every time I cook a recipe. If these dishes are prepared in a special way, my satisfaction is complete.

As a true lover of traditional, healthy cooking, a meat grinder is indispensable in my kitchen. With that fantastic tool I make meat for my sofritos, meatballs, meatloaves, fillings for empanadas, sausages, steak tartare and hamburgers.