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Posts tagged ‘southwest france’

Feb 1

Ariane’s Class at Kings Cooking Studio

Ariane shared her secrets to making great cassoulet at Kings Cooking Studio in Short Hills, NJ on Monday night. But it was not just cassoulet!  Ariane talked about the simple techniques that are the backbone of the D’Artagnan lifestyle. Just the basic things a girl from Gascony knows how to do. She seared foie gras and served it with port and grape sauce…and spread medallion of foie gras on sliced bread… then seared duck breast and paired it with a balsamic-red wine reduction into which medallion of foie gras was stirred…and only then came the generous bowls of cassoulet.  The folks that attended the class were not left hungry, that’s for sure!  Did we mention that for dessert she offered French Kisses? At D’Artagnan, those are prunes soaked in Armagnac and then stuffed with mousse of foie gras.

The evening was filled with the conviviality that is so much a  part of life (and eating!) in Southwest France. Ariane had a great time chatting with the students and answering their questions. We hope that the evening inspired them all to make cassoulet, sear foie gras and duck magret at home!

Thanks to the team at Kings Cooking Studio–Randi, Wendy and Steve–who were a delight to work with. We would be happy to come back for another class.

For those at home, enjoy the photos.  We hope to see you at the next event!

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Jan 4

La Combe sticky1

Take a Food Lover’s Dream Trip

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”   So said Albert Camus.   If you’re whiling away the long dark days of winter imagining how to spend the next gorious summer, we have an inspiring idea for you.

The Majestic Dordogne

 

Toulouse geese on a foie gras farm in picturesque Dordogne.

This July, join Ariane Daguin for an enchanting week of culinary exploration in her favorite corner of France—the southwest.  The Dordogne, and specifically the Périgord Noir region, is famous for its prehistoric cave paintings, medieval castles and villages, but especially for its unique blend of cultural and culinary riches.

Les tomates at a local market.

This is an ideal spot to find out what joie de vivre is all about, and to taste it for yourself.  The Périgord Noir is revered in France for its regional cuisine including the finest truffles, walnuts, wild mushrooms and foie gras, and for wines like Bergerac, Monbazillac and Cahors.

La Combe Périgord

You will stay at La Combe en Périgord, an 18th-century stone farm house nestled on 40 acres of parkland and woods deep in the Périgord Noir.  This gracious home is well equipped with a swimming pool, private apartments and modern amenities, including a state-of-the-art French country-style kitchen, a fully-stocked bar, library and massive stone fireplace.  Your every comfort is simply and elegantly considered.  You will have all the privacy you want, and all the attention you need.

Kitchen at La Combe Périgord

Each evening aperitifs will be followed by beautiful dinners….days will be spent exploring produce markets, visiting farms, learning about the traditions of foie gras, watching bread being made from the grain mill to the oven, eating leisurely lunches at fine restaurants, and discovering the history and culture of the area.

perfectly crusty loaves

While absorbing the culinary traditions of the Périgord, you will also enjoy hands-on cooking instruction with guest teaching chef, Ariane, who brings unique skills and vast food knowledge to the kitchen.  Cooking the seasonal produce available in the markets and talking to farmers and food artisans is the best immersion in the local food culture.

Market vendor selling fresh chevre.

Spend a week in the Périgord Noir with Ariane and remember the flavors for a lifetime.

July 20-27, 2012

Cost is €3200 per person and is all inclusive.   La Combe en Périgord can only accommodate 8 people, so don’t hesitate and miss this extraordinary experience!

For information and reservations call 888-522-6623 or email info@lacombe-perigord.com

http://www.lacombe-perigord.com/index.html

sunflowers soaking up the rays

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