Batter Chatter: Interview with Aran of Cannelle Et Vanille
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 
Cakespy: Why did you start your site?
Cannelle et Vanille: I left work to take care of my son and the first year after he was born, I realized I had not been baking enough and something was missing in my life. I didn’t really know what blogs were until a friend of mine introduced me to Cupcake Bakeshop and then I found Tartelette. One Sunday afternoon, I just started a blog out of the blue and I haven’t stopped since.
CS: There's no delicate way to say it: your site is food porn. How does it feel to know that all over the world, people are drooling over your site?
CV: It feels great! I never thought so many people would follow my blog but I love thinking that every dessert I make and every photo I take can make one person smile. It still amazes me.
CS: It seems like a lot of people who begin blogs / sites dedicated to their passion find that it really changes the way they look at the world. How has your site changed life / the way you look at baking?
CV: It really hasn’t changed the way I look at baking. I really just bake what comes to me naturally. But what I have found is that I have struck friendships with people that I would have never met in any other way.
CS: You're from Basque country. What foods do you miss from home?
CV: So many to count… little tiny green peppers from Gernika, fresh fish, red beans from Tolosa, great produce, mamia and my uncle’s puff pastry!
CV: “Repulsive” is a harsh word… I wouldn’t say repulsive. I think there are many people in this country who enjoy fine food. I don’t mean expensive food per se, I mean people that know how to identify fresh fish, how to smell bread or pick great fruit. But I think that the masses are still way behind of how food is viewed in other countries such as my own.
CS: Following up on that point, a while back you actually sent us some of your delectable lemon-olive oil madeleines. Well, I (Head Spy Jessie) personally would like to admit that I hoarded them and shared only one with Mr. Cakespy. Does this make me a bad person?
CV: No, it makes me laugh! It reminds me of myself when I was 7 years old and my grandmother gave me a small white chocolate Nestle bar. I was holding the chocolate bar when my brothers entered the room and I stuffed it all in my mouth, all at once, so I didn’t have to share it with them!
CV: It would definitely be my grandfather Angel who was also a pastry chef. A fine one if I may say so. He retired when I was about 9 years old so I never had a chance to work with him.
CS: You have pretty much the cutest son, like, ever. What's his favorite dessert?
CV: He loves everything and it can be a problem sometimes. He particularly likes my banana bread but will try anything I give him.
CS: If pressed, what would you say the next big thing will be in baking or baked goods?
CV: I think small and delicate will stick around. I like the idea of a small treat. I like leaving wanting more. I also think a natural and rustic approach to food is necessary. I don’t think this is a new idea at all, but I see a lot of focus on it once again.
CS: Does your family ever get pissed off that they can't eat dessert til your photo shoot is over?
CV: Yes and they drive me insane! The pressure is always on. I sometimes have to hide things in unexpected places so they don’t disappear before the photo shoot.
CV: It’s hard to say. Baking is almost like an impulse for me. Sometimes I feel like an idea comes over my body and I must transform it into something sweet. It’s like purging, otherwise I go insane.
I think as of now, my goal is for me to become a better photographer. That’s where I am at the moment.
batter chatter
Reader Comments (38)
I LOVE Aran, she has been such an inspiration and help to me! She is amazing. I am so glad you interviewed her! Way to go buffalo!
Carrie
This was so much fun Jessie. Thanks for thinking about me!
I love her!!!- there is no secret- she is one of the most talented people i know. I love the questions you asked and love learning more about aran!!! i am defintely a drooler when it comes to her creations..i wonder if i can suran wrap my screen..:)
I am craving sweets now. So many amazing creations!! I love her!
Aran is incredible! Her blog is positively eye candy...everything looks delicious, perfect and beautiful. Every new post amazes me!
Amazing creations and amazing photos....drool
How have I missed this girl?! It's a tragedy really. Thank you for opening my eyes.
Aran's blog is simply beautiful. She is one of my favorite bakers and bloggers. Thanks for featuring her!
Aww, everything is so cute and little!
Great interview! The photos are gorgeous!
her site is amazing and she make me want to be a better photographer.
I love Aran's site, she's great!
Great one Jessie...I LOVE ARAN. Her site is inspirational; most of the time dreamy. The pictures of Basque country, the photographs, the small desserts & her sweet little one are a treat. As I said to her a while ago, I'm sometimes hesitant to vist her blog, because I feel so unaccomplished...LOL! She's a lady with a BIG heart. WAY TO GO GIRL!!!
Yikes! If Aran wants to become a better photographer then I certainly should be brushing up my own skillz - her photos are so close to perfect already!
Nice interview Cakespy Jessie! I love Aran's blog and enjoyed getting to know her better through your questions.
Cakespy, each photo of Aran's speaks volumes!! I can't tell you the number of times I have just gone over and over again to the same post just to peek:). I am so glad you did this! I really enjoyed knowing her views and the little snippets you put in! Who is it next?
Yes, it's a pleasure to have her as a friend and confident and be able to talk shop, laugh and rant!
Great interview!!
great photos. I like Aran s blog alot. thanks
Ha sido de lo más interesante leer esta entrevista.
A mí me pareces una fotógrafa magnífica, si aún haces mejores fotos, Aran. ¡¡¡¡ Acabaré comiéndome la pantalla del ordenador !!!!
What an interest interview... I enjoyed a lot reading this.
For me, you are a great photographer. What would I do if you make even better photos? I think I'll end up eating my computer screen... :-S
Kisses.
Morgana.
morgana.blogolosas.com
It's one thing to publish an exquisite post. It's another to be able to do so frequently, regularly, and every singe time. Aran's blog is a jewel.
I really enjoyed your interview! And I wish I could have tasted one of her grand-father's creations. In addition to her own, of course!
Aran and her beautiful creations are so inspiring! Lovely interview and thanks for letting us have a peek into more of her personality and life :)
Aran makes such beautiful food!
Lovely interview; BEYOND lovely treats!! :0)
Love that she stuffed the whole candy bar in her mouth so she didnt have to share. I so can see it with my kids.
Aran is amazing. SHe is the creator of many beautiful things. I love that her personality seems beautiful as well.
What a lovely interview about such a great talent! Thank you for a glimpse at her genius.
oi! Gorgeous food love. :) Thanks for the interview.