Our group had an absolute blast rolling up our armature sleeves and working with a real chef to make an authentic Catalan meal which we shared after its completion. First, we started a bit in reverse with the final dish, the postre or dessert – Crema Catalana. After combining eggs, sugar and cornstarch, the little individual portions were consigned to the refrigerator to set.
Meanwhile, chicken, peppers, garlic and a myriad of other vegetables and flavors were being chopped up and mixed into a large pan to cook. A handful of careful tomato slicing, potato peeling and lots of laughter later, we washed our hands again and sat down to enjoy flavorful pan con tomate, zesty paella con pollo and a chilly bowl of gazpacho. ¡Delicioso!
Finally, the Crema Catalana re-emerged from the fridge thickened but unfinished. After a short example demonstration, we each got a chance to use a blow torch to carmelize the sugar on top until it turned golden brown. Exciting and so good to eat!
I will definitely be using these recipes to treat my friends and family back home to a taste of Barcelona.