French Cooking Holidays
Join Alex and John Waddington at Château l'Age Baston for a taste of French Country Cooking.
This French cooking holiday is not a course for Cordon Bleu chefs. It is for people who enjoy cooking and eating good food. In particular it is aimed at those who want to add a 'French Country' Style and Flavour to their repertoire. The relaxed atmosphere of a big family kitchen is just the right place to learn how to do it.
French Provincial cuisine is based on making simple ingredients taste delicious without breaking the bank. A tradition of taste without waste using the materials to hand - often home produced. A tradition which is continued here in the l'Age Baston French cooking course with vegetables and herbs grown in the Potager. You may even be asked to dig them or pick them yourself before you can begin your day in the kitchen!
Some of the dishes will have a distinctive Regional character and involve "produits du terroir" - like Pineau and Cognac. On this French country cooking course you will learn:
- How to make pâtés and confits, terrines and sauces,
- to Cook meat and poultry,
- Prepare salads and dressings, soups and seafood, pastry and desserts,
- Recipes and know-how to make your eyes shine and your mouth water,
with the accent on learning things you can make practical use of at home.
Alexandra is the tutor on this French cooking holiday. She is a talented cook and a trained teacher. Alex will be your guide in the kitchen. She lives and works at l'Age Baston but regularly 'pops' over' in the winter to teach cooking in the UK.
Alex enjoys trying out new recipes given to her by French friends and neighbours. John and Alex are in the middle of translating an old notebook of handwritten recipes they found in the attic at l'Age Baston. They hope to publish them one day (tested of course) together with guests' favourite recipes.
Most days on this French cooking holiday will be based in the kitchen but there are planned visits to Cognac, the local market and a guided tour of the Ducal Château of La Rochfoucauld (including the kitchens). The course price includes all ingredients and materials and full board. All you have to bring is your enthusiasm, a stout and comfortable pair of shoes and a notebook. We provide the protective clothing ('pinnies' and things).
| May 29 | June 26 |
| July 31 | Aug 28 |
| Sep 25 |
Prices
- 7 nights £725
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Sharing Room
- 7 nights £405
- 14 nights £760
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Own Room
- 7 nights £495
- 14 nights £940
- 5-6 Sharing Rooms less 10%
- 7-8 Sharing Rooms less 12%
- 9-10 Sharing Rooms less 15%
- 10 plus Please contact John or Alex
Course numbers will be a maximum of four to allow for individual attention and to ensure safety in the working environment.
Normally you arrive on Thursday afternoon, with the first kitchen session on Friday morning. Courses run for 7 or 14 nights (or longer).
