Recipes
After the fires/May 2014
The lingering smell of smoke from the terrible fires in San Marcos (about 7miles east of us) has evaporated. The breeze swept away the film of burnt ash that covered our patio. What a sinking, heartsick feeling to stand on our rooftop terrace and view the...
Estebanico/Al Zemmouri, “our” hero, the man from Azemmour
I realized recently that I have never posted anything about this fascinating figure who hails from AZEMMOUR, where our riad, Dar Zitoun, is located. Not only that, but the story of Estebanico/Al Zemmouri's extraordinary achievements reach the shores of the Gulf...
Heritage Radio Network interview April 2014
Cathy Erway hosts the most informative radio show "Eat your Words" on the Heritage Radio Network out of Brooklyn, New York. Mint Tea and Minarets, and Moroccan cuisine are the subjects of this episode. http://goo.gl/pPIrU0 // OR...
The Kasbah Chronicles, January 14
Let another year begin . . . I woke up early last week, to find this message in my e-mail. May I brag a little? Mint Tea and Minarets is in the running for: December 21, 2013 GOURMAND WORLD COOKBOOKS AWARDS 2013 YOU ARE THE WINNER IN U S A YOU...
Happy New Year!
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year A traditional French salad for New Year's Eve A menu for a “réveillon” celebration (whether Christmas or New Year’s Eve) almost always includes Belgian endives on French tables. This is how we used to greet the nouvel an, new year, in...
Happy Thanksgiving 2013
Un buffet a l'Alliance de Pasadena In between two appointments in Pasadena a few weeks ago, I decided to drop in at the Norton Simon Museum. What a treat. In my view, this is probably the best art museum of LA. Just the right size, bright, and welcoming. Walking...
Writer’s Digest Critique, October 2013
I entered Mint Tea and Minarets in the following contest, and though it didn't win, I appreciated the critique: 21st Annual Writer’s Digest Annual Self-Published Book Awards Entry Title: Mint Tea + Minarets: a banquet of Moroccan Memories ...
Boo-Hoo, it’s Halloween in 2013! Time for pumpkin chorba soup!
Greetings on a sunny, Southern California, Fall afternoon. Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner, citrus trees are laden with ripening fruit (another record crop awaits!), and golden, apple-sized figs still hang on to our tree for dear...
Why I chose to self publish
WHY DID I WRITE MINT TEA AND MINARETS? HERE IS THE EXPLANATION: Dianne Jacob, who writes a wonderful blog for food writers, invited me to give the reason why: Agent Couldn’t Sell Her Memoir, so Cookbook Author Publishes it Anyway...
Ras el Hanout at the supermarket! We are a global foodie culture!
A friend in Arlington VA, found a jar of Ras el Hanout (meaning “top of the shop” or “the best that the shop has to offer”) Morocco’s most famous spice blend, at her local commissary. The authentic spice can sometimes contain up to 32 different...
Musings on Hotel La Mamounia/May/June Book signings
Conde Nast Traveler’s website recently flashed across my screen, along with their list of “the world’s most romantic getaways.” Knowing how fond the magazine is of these “best of” lists, I clicked on the link....
Into the whirlwind of book signings
My updates are few and far between, and I apologize.The reason? Mint Tea and Minarets is taking off, and that is most exciting! My schedule of presentations is growing busier by the day. For that, I am thankful, as well. To view the next venue, check my webpage...