Batter Chatter: Interview with Aran of Cannelle Et Vanille
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.
Reader Comments (38)
Aran is so talented!!
Had a great time reading your interview!
What amazing creations!! Very talented creations.
I am craving sugar now after viewing your gorgeous pics.
Rosie x
Hi Cake Spy!
I just gave you an "E" award!
http://candyyumyum.blogspot.com/2008/11/yippee.html
Thank you for this fun insight into one of the very best pastry bloggers out there. Aran's talent is a constant explosion of beauty and taste. Always, always, always an inspiration.
What particularly impresses me is Aran's sense of humility. She's so good at what she does and would you just look at that spun sugar. Great interview - you picked a winner.
What a fabulous interview with one of my favorite bloggers of all time! Aran is simply amazing and her work is STUNNING!
Great interview! It was nice to know a little more behind the scenes :)
Wow - absolutely stunning! Thanks for the introduction! My blogosphere calorie intake is about to skyrocket!!!
Wonderful interview, I find this so inspiring!
CL: I adore her too, it was a fun interview!
Aran: You're so welcome!
Onesilent: I love her too. She's the best!
Maria: Moi aussi!
Bridget: So glad you love her blog too!
HappySquirrel: Aw, thanks! You're too cute!
My First: Good!! Lucky you! :-)
Tanya: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Chocolatecovered: Isn't it!?
Half Baked: Thanks, glad you enjoyed!
Krysta: Me too!
ClumbsyCookie: You said it!
Passionate: You're so sweet. So glad to know that everyone admires her as much as I do, she deserves the attention!
Dana: Your photography is pretty great, I have to say!
Sunshinemom: I have a few interviews up my sleeve coming soon!
Tartelette: Glad you enjoyed! Thanks!
Snooky: You're welcome!
Lachandra: Glad you enjoyed!
Astrid: You're so right--she is a gem. Always spot on!
Chichajo: Glad you enjoyed the peek!
Peabody: Doesn't she!?
Veggiegirl: Glad you enjoyed!
Lori: Her personality is as great as her baking!
Zoe: So glad you enjoyed!
Chou: You're very welcome, glad you enjoyed!
Sandra: Thanks!
Rosie: Me too!
Candy Yum Yum: Thanks!
Pastry studio: I concur, she's just the best!
Giz: Isn't she amazing? I just want to live inside a palace made of that spun sugar!
My Sweet: Yea! Glad you enjoyed!
Rachelle: Thanks!
TW: That's the good thing about online calories, they're FREE!
Bittersweetblog: Glad you enjoyed. I find YOU inspiring! :-)
One word - Gorgeous.
she is so amazing - I have a hard time believing she is a real person. Every time I visit her blog it's so magical.
no-one has ever tempted me sooooo much till date! great photography,i must say...