Kitty Morse

Cookbook Author, Food and Travel Writer

Kitty Morse

Cookbook Author, Food and Travel Writer

Mint Tea and Minarets/Le Riad au bord de l’OUED (excerpt, reviews, presentations)

Mint Tea and Minarets

January 2021

View an excerpt on ISSUU at

To order a signed hard copy ,  email

[email protected]

or order a hard copy or download the eBook on Amazon.com

Winner: Best Book/Arab Cuisine/USA 2013

Translated into French as  Le Riad au Bord de l’Oued

Gourmand World Cookbook Award

MINT TEA AND MINARETS:

A Banquet of Moroccan Memories

by

Kitty Morse

Photography by Owen Morse

Finalist in the San Diego Book Awards

Winner: Gourmand World Cookbook Award

Signed copy, tax and shipping (media mail in the US only)

Please email me at info@mintteaandminarets for details or order.

327 pages

32 original recipes and
99 color food and location shots
Perfect bound

ISBN:  978-0-9852164-4-3

Price: $30.00

Shipping : $5 (US Media Mail ONLY)

FOR TALKS, VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB VISITS, OR PRESENTATIONS

contact Kitty at

[email protected]

Reviews for Mint Tea and Minarets:

Saudi Aramco World, March 2014:

https://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/departments/default.aspx?mode=reading

A Traveler’s Library:

 *Commentary may be quoted as: “Judge, Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards.”

 October 2013:

21st Annual Writer’s Digest Annual Self-Published Book Awards

Entry Title: Mint Tea + Minarets:  a banquet of Moroccan Memories

Author: Kitty Morse

 Judge Number: 54

Entry Category: Nonfiction

 Judges Commentary*:

“Moroccan customs and cuisine are vividly captured in this absorbing memoir that also offers an intriguing familial history involving property. Chapters are interspersed with abundant recipes for choice appetizers, entrees and drinks. The colorful blend of Arabic and French influences, as well as languages, deepen the sweeping cultural interest. One can get the feel and pulse of Moroccan life through the eyes of the author, who was born in Morocco. The dialogue enhances the style and pace of Moroccan life. Many fine atmospheric photos – of places, people and foods – grace the pages of the oversized book. The writing is personal and filled with many revealing insights while deftly describing the author’s many experiences in her homeland with a variety of people. Chapter breaks enable smooth reading. Many of the photos, though, lack captions so the reader doesn’t know what destination is shown or other pertinent information. A World War II message from President Roosevelt, signed by General Eisenhower, is only shown in French and Arabic but not in English (Author’s NOTE: It doesn’t exist in English! it was meant for “locals.”) The recipes with accompanying photos have all the needed ingredients spelled out in clear detail. Maps — one historical – offer another dimension but another map showing Morocco’s place in North Africa would be useful. A glossary of terms and foods used in the book is an excellent touch. The cover design is very visual and the clever title is a tongue pleaser.”

And may I add these kind words from readers (reprinted with permission)

Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 2:02 PM

Subject: Mint Tea and Minarets

“Three hours ago, dear Kitty, I started reading your new book and suddenly I realized that I had forgotten lunch! What a treasure of a book, fascinating text, engaging photos, old maps – that was a big job!!”

Alice P.

“You are also a great inspiration to many and, as your #1 fan on the east coast, I’d like to say you fall in the same category as our beloved friend Julia.  I would love to meet you if you ever do a trip to the Baltimore-Washington area. My best as always!”

Tastefully yours,

Mark Waitsman

Executive Chef/Instructor

Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 1:53 PM

“May I order another copy? A friend is having a birthday and this book is perfect. I’ve been sharing it and everyone loves it. Write another!”

Elizabeth

 

“Just finished your latest book. Loved it . . . Each page led to the next delicious recipe. Tantalizing!”

Robin

 

On Jun 2, 2013, at 3:34 PM, Bill wrote:

“I read your book’s narrative and found it fascinating and enjoyable. My wife, Bea, of 47 years had ordered it direct from you and you so kindly signed it to her.

Question: Do you still own the Morocco property, after all those years of litigation? (Yes, I do!) Bea has more than 2,000 cookbooks in her ever-growing collection and yours is among those she prizes the most. I have been the direct beneficiary of my wife’s great cooking. I am a retired journalist and presently a freelance writer. You are a superb writer and your laid-back style makes for comfortable reading. Let’s have some more books with a format similar to this one.”

Bill

 

“Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed “Mint Tea and Minarets”. It was a labor of love on many levels – love of your father, Dar Zitoun and Moroccan cuisine. Your colorful descriptions allowed me to experience the sights and sounds, fragrances and flavors of this exotic and mysterious culture. Thank you to Owen for the vivid photography, so evocative – I have surprised myself and tried a few of the recipes.”

Joan

 

April 2013 SAVEUR magazine

http://www.saveur.com/article/Kitchen/SAVEUR-Bookshelf-Middle-Eastern-Cookbooks

Gherkins and Tomatoes blog: a cuisine created by slave women: a review of kitty morse’s mint tea and minarets

http://gherkinstomatoes.com/2013/01/08/a-cuisine-created-by-moroccan-women-a-review-of-kitty-morses-mint-tea-and-minarets-and-a-brief-word-about-dadas/

Union-Tribune, San Diego

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/mar/20/tp-vistans-cookbook-a-love-letter-to-her-native/

Behold, a singular structure soars above the banks of the Oum er-Rbia, Mother of Spring River, within the ramparts of the 16th century medina of Azemmour — Dar Zitoun, erstwhile “House of the Pasha.” Kitty, an expert on Moroccan cuisine, and author of Mint Tea and Minarets, warmly coaxes you into the kitchen of her late father’s painstakingly restored riad, Moorish mansion, to savor a banquet of Moroccan memories. From tagines to couscous, without forsaking bestila, Dar Zitoun has many delicious stories to tell. Generations of cooks and centuries of celebration there sweeten the invitation.

An hour south of Kitty’s native Casablanca, scour the Azemmour souk for seasonal ingredients, then meet Dar Zitoun’s gifted cuisinier Bouchaib to concoct aromatic tagines and other Moroccan dishes. In the footfall of her father, Kitty uncovers the provenance of her culinary passion: Dar Zitoun was an ancient cooking school.  Follow her as she seeks out bibi beldi, free-range turkey, at a farm on the Doukkala plain and is instructed in falconry by Kwacem tribesmen, the only commoners authorized to capture and train the raptors. Frequent a Bedouin camel market, consult with a practitioner of native medicine, and hunt for the source of the Oum er-Rbia in the High Atlas Mountains.

Having grown up in North Africa during the French Protectorate, a unique time in history, the author has a pied-noir’s rarified perspective. Fresh burdens as executor of her father’s estate help build an appetite, while each chapter divulges a recipe that matches the tale just told. Meanwhile, Morocco’s Byzantine legal system introduces an amusing cast of other-cultured characters in this window into the mosaic that characterizes the  northwest corner of Africa, Al Mahgreb Al Aqsa, The Land Where the Sun Sets.

Dar Zitoun! The name alone hints at the mystery and history of Kitty Morse’s family riad (Moorish mansion). Hers is a life unlike any other, with rich tales of the Moroccan history of her fascinating family. Weaving lively characters with spectacular recipes of the region, Morse captivates readers with provocative memories and enticing dishes. A fascinating read.
— ANTONIA ALLEGRA, director, Symposium for Professional Food Writers

Kitty Morse’s story is deliciously human — witty, warm and suspenseful — as complex and flavor-laden as a Moroccan tagine. The heart, soul and mouth of Morocco are all here, offered in full vibrant color by a native-born insider who takes us from kitchen to souk to courthouse in her Dickensian quest to save the heritage of her father’s home. Even for the experienced traveler, this is a book that will drive you either to book a flight to Morocco right now — or at least run to the kitchen to cook a tagine.
— BETTY FUSSELL, author of My Kitchen Wars and Raising Steaks

Mint Tea and Minarets is a graceful and touching tale, not only of a life, but also of the complex shadings of life in Morocco that only one who has lived there (and speaks Arabic and French) can know.  I love a book you can’t put down, and this is certainly one.  It’s a treasure.
— DEBORAH MADISON, author of Local Flavors and other books

Bookmark this page for updates!

Kitty

AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING STORES:

New York:

http://www.kitchenartsandletters.com

http://www.Idlewildbooks.com

 Los Angeles County:

http://www.distantlands.com (Pasadena)

http://www.bowers.org (Santa Ana)

http://www.smallworldbooks.com (Venice)

http://travelersbookcase.com (L.A.)

Santa Barbara (CA):

http://www.chaucersbooks.com

http://tecolotebooks.com

San Francisco Bay Area:

http://ww.omnivorebooks.com

http://www.booksinc.net (Palo Alto, Opera Plaza, Chestnut, Berkeley)

http://www.bookpassage.com

http://www.spanishtable.com

 San Diego County (CA):

San Diego Museum of Art

http://www.warwicks.com (La Jolla)

http://www.farenheit451books.com (Carlsbad)

http://www.theworldsfare.com (Vista)

 http://secure.spicemerchants.biz (Temecula)

http://www.thespiceway.com (Encinitas)

http://www.savoryspiceshop.com (Encinitas)

Oconomowoc (WI):

http://www.booksco.com

Austin, Texas

http://thetwigbookstore.com

CANADA:

Montreal:

http://librairie olivieri.com

11 Comments

  1. Kitty,
    Congratulations on being a finalist at the San Diego Book Awards.

    I hope you will get it next time!

    Sandra

    Reply
  2. Sorry, This is as far as I can go
     
    NDC

    Reply
  3. Congratulations, this is so exciting. I'm having trouble with facebook they seemed to have accidentally erased my account, and I'm now sure what's going on there as there's no way to really contact them,   but I got your latest message in my inbox . I very much want to read your book as soon as it's avaiable. Tom and I are thrilled for you, and we send you lots of congratulations.
    Kate and Tom

    Reply
  4. Looks like a great book. I would love to add it to my Moroccan online Store.
    Thank you so much for the hard work.
     
    Abdu El-Rhoul

    Reply
  5. I turned the last page of Mint Tea and Minerates and cried. Who knew a book with recipes, photos and stories of the legal frustrations of living abroad would bring me to tears?
    The book takes the reader on a journey to Morocco as if you were there yourself with the smells, tastes and colors. Each chapter rewards you with a recipe and exquisite photo of
    a favorite dish from Dar Zitoun, the historic cooking school and home where the author, Kitty, grew up. I loved the book and couldn't put it down.

    Reply
  6. Wish there was more information on the website about how long it takes for these books to be shipped…confirmation of order received would also be nice.  If I don't hear something soon, I may just cancel my order for three books.

    Reply
  7. Dottie, I am sorry for the inconvenience but I never did receive a payment from you. Please try again!

    Reply
  8. I just finished your book “Mint Tea and Minarets”, which I purchased at The Old Town Spice and Tea Merchants after your cooking class. What a wonderful book ! I really love a book that tells the author’s story and shares special recipes. I didn’t want it to end. I have made many pots of Mint Tea, the Carrots and even the Orange Blossom Pudding. Also have a jar of Preserved Lemons working their magic. Thank you for sharing a painful part of your life, it was magical to read. I look forward to attending more of your delightful cooking classes!

    Reply
  9. Hi Kitty,
    You contacted me last year about featuring your book at the Worldview Project Book Club…we are ready if you are available. Are next two possible dates are Tues July 5 and Tues Aug 2…are either of those dates free for you to come and be our guest speaker? We meet in Kensington from 7-8:30pm . Please email me directly at [email protected].

    Best,
    Sharon Payne
    http://www.parobs.org/index.php?module=article&view=2983

    Reply
  10. Our international-theme book club just read Kitty’s book and loved it! KItty was gracious enough to come and speak to us last night. What a delight! She is an excellent storyteller and had all of us in the palm of her hand! Highly recommend her book.

    Reply
  11. Hi, Kitty – My wife was the recent recipient if your book from someone who I think knows you somewhat… Anyway, it has provided me an opportunity to get her into Mediterranean cooking (which I’ve been trying to do for some time). Seems to be a dearth of Med cookbooks in Temecula. Anyway, I was a little unsure of how to proceed in a couple of areas,in which I know you can help. You say to cover the lemons (preserved) with lemon juice. I just squz some homegrown and moderately un-tart homegrown lemons. Can I use this, or should I purchase more Meyers and squeeze them? Also, in using the product: Do I just reach in with an ice cream scoop and chop up what I get out, or do I take out a lemon and remove the pulp? Should it be minced? Thanks for your time.

    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Winter (Summer) Solstice in a Jar: Preserving Lemons « What's Neri Eating? - [...] she is the leading expert on all things Moroccan, especially food.  Kitty’s new book, Mint Tea and Minarets will…
  2. Show 25, April 13, 2013: Zov Karamardian of the original Zov’s Bistro in Tustin | SoCal Restaurant Show - [...] Lunch and Learn” program. The title is “A Taste of Morocco with Kitty Morse.” Her new book is Mint…

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *