One of the highlights of my Mallorca Adventure was the Spanish Cooking Experience.
At Moltak — The Windmill Kitchen, the excitement was palpable as our small group dove into Mallorcan flavors, truly setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
Prepping Like a Pro
We kicked things off by preparing the Cream Catalan. Vivian, our instructor, explained that because the dish had to sit, it was best to make it first. She even showed us a handy kitchen gadget to help separate the yolk from the egg whites, keeping the hands slim-free.
It was interesting that, although we had recipes for each dish, Vivian showed us some great tricks and tips that were easy to remember. This put the spotlight back on the food, its aroma and taste, rather than the math of measurement.
After mastering Cream Catalan, we moved on to the Tortilla De Patata. But this wasn’t just any Spanish omelet.
No, this was a recipe handed down through generations. Vivian showed us how to prepare the potatoes and onions, while explaining why patience is a virtue with this dish.
Luckily, for my fingers anyway, Vivian had prepped and sliced the potatoes. All we needed to do was add them to the oil and let them cook.
To The Stove We Go
While the potatoes and onions were cooking, I chose to make the Pimientos de Padrón.
Why did I select this dish to make?
Simple, I know how to burn food. Ha ha.
Vivian helped me get the peppers to the right ‘burn’ level. With a generous splattering of sea salt, the peppers were ready. I gladly served my fellow cooks. The joy on their faces told me that I can now add burning peppers to my repertoire.
While I was putting my spin on the Pimientos de Padrón, another cook tackled the Suquet de Sobrasada, a bowl of pure Mallorcan soul, rich and spicy, with the creamy, paprika-laced sobrasada melting luxuriously into every bite. Just the aroma alone made my mouth water, and my stomach rumbled.
Then came the Pa amb oli. Imagine rustic bread, still warm from the oven, drizzled with fragrant local olive oil and layered with flavors from ramallet tomatoes, garlic, and slices of tangy local cheese. Every bite was a sun-drenched explosion of flavor.
This was a taste of Mallorca I’ll dream about long after I return home.
The Star of the Night: Main Course
Now it was time to prepare the main course: Seafood paella.
Making seafood paella was the reason I chose this cooking experience over other, cheaper options.
I gathered the ingredients and stood around the sizzling pan, inhaling the scent of saffron and the sea as mussels, shrimp, and tender calamari nestled into the golden rice.
The process was as rewarding as the flavors. The mixing , seasoning, and watching everything come together under Vivian’s guidance was just fun, pure fun.
Feast Time: Let’s Dig In!
Once the paella was ready, we sat down, ready to taste our creations.
We started with the Tortilla De Patata.
Oh, what devilish deliciousness!
Then we marveled at the Seafood Paella creation we made.
Scooping my portion straight from the pan, I felt a surge of pride and hunger. The flavors were bright, briny, and utterly unforgettable.
I’ll never claim to be a master paella maker, but creating this iconic dish with my own hands was a memory I’ll treasure. Each bite was a celebration of effort and discovery, a moment that made me feel connected to Mallorca in a way only cooking can.
I’ve had paella before, but this paella outshines them all.
Why? This paella had the extra ingredient that the other paellas never had: LOVE.
I loved making this dish, and that made it taste so much better than the paellas I’ve had at restaurants.
But Wait: Dessert Awaits!
My group and I were so into enjoying the food and each other’s company that we forgot about dessert.
Out came the Cream Catalan: silky, citrus-perfumed custard with a crackly, caramelized sugar shell.
Each spoonful shattered and melted on my tongue, sweeter than any finale deserves to be. I dare anyone not to crave dessert for days after tasting it!
A Taste of Adventure: Try Something Deliciously Different
If you ever find yourself in Mallorca, do yourself a favor and venture beyond the postcard beaches and the bustling markets. Seek out a local cooking experience as I did at the Windmill Kitchen.
There’s something magical about rolling up your sleeves and diving into the island’s culinary traditions, guided by passionate locals and surrounded by new friends. You’ll leave with more than just recipes; you’ll take home memories, laughter, and a true taste of Mallorca’s soul.
Until next time…
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