Morocco 2019 Day 8

High Atlas with village on a hill

Cooking school day, hurray.  I love taking cooking classes in different countries.  Long drive south of Marrakesh to a village in the foothills of the High Atlas mountains.  Unlikely place for a cooking school, but apparently this school grows all its produce organically in the area.  The venue is lovely, in a garden, but since everything is outside it is COLD.  I wore my puffy jacket and it was barely enough.

Part of team B

Cumin, cinnamon, ras el hanout,
salt, pepper, paprika, ginger,
turmeric, garlic, coriander, parsley
preserved lemons

We were introduced to the spices and other ingredients used in Moroccan cooking by Chef Josef.  Divided up into teams, we proceeded with chopping, slicing and dicing.  We made Lemon Chicken with olives, Lamb with apricots and prunes, and Vegetables.  We were shown how to make couscous properly, then diced carrots and beetroot for salad.  All of the cooking was done in tagines except for the couscous, which is steamed.  After walking around the gardens we sat down to hors d'oeuvres of Arab bread with argan oil, honey, and peanut sauce, and of course, mint tea.  We then went to a tent to eat the fruits of our labor.  What a wonderful meal.  Enjoyed it immensely.

Tagines and steamer for couscous

Lamb, left, chicken right

Putting vegetables together

Plated

Returning to the city: Marrakesh does have an air quality issue which can clearly be seen from the outside.  Lots of car exhaust.

Beginning of my memory quilt

Back to the hotel, where we had a class with Pam Holland.  Memory quilts was the topic, and we all started with a small square of fabric to embellish with objects or designs that remind us of our time in Morocco.

Tanis is back.  Large leg brace to keep her leg somewhat immobile, she says she is in no pain whatsoever.  Great to have her back.

 Interesting sight in the country.  Mini-pyramid which turn out to be hay storage.  In the background you can see the smoggy haze that is Marrakesh.












A former student and best friend of Rob lives and works in Marrakesh.  Muhammad Ya'qub Gledhill invited me to his home for a home-cooked Moroccan meal.  It was really great to see him after many years and to meet his wife and children.  He is head of the English Department at a local international school, and his wife also teaches--she is also a great cook.

Beef tagine, salad, and a savory seasoning, plus Arab bread.

Ya'qub and his wife, Safia