Q&A with Edwin Klaasen
We have known baker Edwin Klaasen as the owner of Desemenzo since 2007. His mission? More respect for bread. During the Christmas season, his amarena deluxe is a favorite among many, including FavorFlav’s Marieke.
Which food trend should we stop immediately?
Plofkip bread with margarine that makes you eat eight slices in a row. Don’t eat a lot of bread, but do eat good bread. Two good slices of bread with good butter and cheese.
Most memorable food experience?
That was definitely last year on a Monday at Bas van Kranen’s restaurant De Leuf. We spontaneously made a reservation one day in advance. The best part was actually after dinner, when we sat drinking on his attic room at a kitchen table. This gave me a special bond with Bas.
Favorite drink?
A Chimay Blue, that really makes me happy. It makes me feel truly spoiled.
Indispensable kitchen gadget?
Of course, a good bread knife. People ruin bread with a bad bread knife.
What do you never want to eat again?
Margarine on bread (in combination with plofkip bread). Oh, and I never want to drink Senseo coffee again.
Which country is your favorite when it comes to food?
Copenhagen. I got tips from Rutger Schipper beforehand; he is a walking encyclopedia.
We didn’t go to Noma and Geranium, as those are very obvious choices. We went to BROR and Kadeau instead, where I tasted things I had never eaten in the Netherlands before.
What should everyone have eaten at least once?
Homemade bread. Once you have baked bread yourself, you respect bread much more. Then you know what kinds of transformations it undergoes.
What is the best product from the supermarket?
Toilet paper. You can get so many things from the specialist. Give the specialist the chance to make money. I go without things so I can buy better food.
What is still on your food wish list?
More knowledge of products and cooking. A chef knows a little about everything. I am specialized. I would like to know more about the ingredients chefs cook with.
Which cookbook should everyone have on their shelf?
Over Rot by MeneerWatEetOns. It is educational; it shares knowledge. That is what I like about those books. In addition, Hete Kolen by Jeroen Hazebroek and my own baking book.
What do you like to make at home when you want to eat quickly and well?
My favorite dish is actually my dad’s nasi. Quick, easy and excellent.
Which dish do you have no self-control around?
The ends of stuffed speculaas. You always have to cut those ends off, and they are really…
Text: Marieke Migchelbrink
Image: Desemenzo
