Save the Date: a Food Styling + Photography Workshop {in France} with Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille

I feel like beginning this post with one hundred exclamation points, because that's how excited I am to share with you some fun news. Are you ready for a little adventure?

This autumn, Aran Goyoaga and I will be hosting a food styling and photography workshop in the Dordogne region of France. Aran's gorgeous blog, Cannelle et Vanille, has inspired thousands with breathtaking images and delicious recipes. Her delicate styling and wistful storytelling draws readers in with a single glance. But, you already know all this, right?

How would you like to spend 4 days in Southwestern France, learning how to style, cook and photograph food in a beautiful, intimate setting? Sounds like heaven, right? We are planning an up close and personal experience that will make it possible for 8 guests to learn valuable skills as food stylists and photographers. This workshop will be unique in that you'll be able to spend several hours a day alongside Aran as she works her magic in the kitchen and behind the camera. Hands-on experience is the name of the game at this workshop. And did we mention it's taking place in one of the prettiest regions in France?

(La Maisonnette du Coteau is just around the corner from the castle wall there on the right...)























Guests of our workshop will enjoy luxurious accommodations at this beautiful manoir:























We will spend time together shopping at a local food market, which is one of the oldest in all of France.


























After a lovely jaunt through the Medieval streets of Sarlat, we will head back to the manoir to prepare, photograph and consume delicious small plates and beautiful tarts as a group. Don't you want to learn how to make these?

























...and these?


























As this area of France has become an significant part of my life, I've come to realize this region represents the essence of French cooking with its foie gras, truffles, walnuts and wild strawberries. And when you add someone like Aran Goyoaga into the mix, well, that's just magic.

So....save the date! This workshop will take place October 2-5 in the Valley of the Five Chateaux. Sign ups will take place this month, allowing a limited number of participants. More details will be forthcoming in the next 1-2 weeks. In the meantime, clear your calendars and get ready to spend four glorious days together in an exquisite setting. Can't wait!

p.s. also t.b.a. is a tour in February 2012 centered around Parisian shopping and a real truffle hunt.

images 1, 2, 6-9 by Aran Goyoaga / image 4 - Stephanie Brubaker