Here’s where I want to introduce you to some products that I use at home on a daily basis. This is not an advert, just inspiration that comes from the heart.
Photography
For food photography I use a Nikon D700 with a NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8 lens
I basically use this combo for 90% of all my food photography. The lens is certainly not the most exotic of all lenses but you will be surprised of what it’s capable of. And what should I say… my D700…. it doesn’t film, its heavy as a brick, all the rubbers are loose or missing, I dropped it a couple of times, but it will probably be with me until it’s completely ruined or stolen.
However some time ago I was able to use a Nikon D850 with my beloved NIKKOR 50mm lens, then it became painfully clear that Nikon moved on and 11 years of camera evolution is a massive leap forwards. But hey, I could still use my 50mm.
I also tried the new mirrorless Nikon Z7 and Z6 with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 s kit lens, 35 f/1.8 s and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 s
I really enjoyed using the new Z series cameras, I took some pictures in terrible light and they handled it beautifully. But the NIKKOR Z 50mm was my absolute favorite, not only because I’m used to this focal length but also how it just works perfectly for food photography. This lens is definitely a promising sign of what Nikon is capable of with these new Z lenses. It just blew me away.
Kitchen utensils
Stand mixer Kenwood K-Mix
I use it to knead dough of all kinds. Whether it is yeast dough or light cake dough. But I also use it for whipping heavy cream or beating the eggs. It’s simply a brilliant, reliable helper in the kitchen. I also use the pasta helper to roll out the dough for fresh pasta, lasagna or ravioli.
Kenwood K-Mix hand mixer
I use it often to beat up a small amount of egg whites, cream butter, make frosting or whip heavy cream. It’s light and really handy to use.
Bamix Hand Blender
I use the Bamix constantly for quick mixing tasks, chopping nuts or herbs, making lump-free pancake batter or to have an amazing homemade mayo ready in 15 sec. I was getting frustrated, because other blenders just weren’t lasting long enough and I always ended up replacing them. Either the drive shafts would freeze up or the motors died. The difference in quality and durability between other blenders can’t be overstated. It’s already outlasted any of the others I’ve ever had.
Staub Cast Iron Cocotte
I love my dutch oven! Everyone should have one! It’s multi-functional, I use it for stews, ragout, risotto, one-pot dishes… it’s good for roasting, frying, braising,… it even withstands oven temperatures up to 260°C. It keeps its warmth for a long time and okay, I know it’s heavy, but it’s cast iron! In addition to the iron, it has multiple coats of glossy enamel on its exterior and the interior is a matte black finish. It too, has multiple coats. But that makes it durable. The lid of a Staub has spikes on its underside, because, as your food cooks, condensation occurs on the lid. By forming there and sliding down the spikes, the food is remoistened, and drying out is not a problem.
This is the type of cookware you could proudly serve from at your dinner table.
Solis coffee machine
Mornings are for coffee, but actually I drink coffee all day long. This is why I find it important to drink freshly grind coffee. The decision to buy this machine was a no brainer. It brews shots very quickly or I can have the perfect latte in a couple of minutes. The crema on the espresso is phenomenal. I love this machine, it’s easy, fast, and in the end you have a fantastic cup of coffee.
NEFF Slide&Hide Full Steam oven
The advantages of this system are numerous: a fully retractable tilting door, a hot air system for simultaneous baking up to 3 levels and steam supply to make your dishes juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. If you’re looking for a new oven, I’d definitely consider this one.
Magimix Cook Expert
I use the Cook Expert to prepare soup, stew or mashed potatoes when I’m in a hurry and don’t want the extra fuss of too many pots. I also use it often to cut, slice, grate, chop and mix vegetables, nuts, hummus or pesto. I love to use it to blend my smoothies in the morning.