Dutch Oven, Moroccan Food

I love to make savory stews and tagine dishes, and I make them often. They are comforting, and soothing, on a cold winter's day. We've been having so much snow in New York. Snow storm after snow storm.

I always liked the idea of owning a dutch oven. I just love the durability and versatility of it - stove-top or in the oven, exactly like a real tagine. The only thing that stopped me from buying one in the past, is how expensive they are.

Recently, I took a trip to Macy's and was surprised to come across this Martha Stewart dutch oven. First, I was surprised that her company made dutch ovens (but then again, I guess if there's money in making them...), but I was particularly delighted by the price. Up until now, I would walk past Le Creuset or Emeril dutch ovens and just dream and drool, because they are so expensive and I am so cheap. Sure, they might not be quite as tough as a Creuset, but it works great for my tagines. I prepare the stew stove-top, then transfer it to the oven; then I relax and let it simmer until its time to eat,... and the meat is falling off the bone.

Here is the simple tagine I made last night. I used the vegetables and meat that I happened to have, but they can be substituted with your favorites (or with whatever veggies happen to be in your fridge).

The key is to get the spicing right, and to let it stew long enough for all the flavors to mingle. Feel free to get creative,... I always do.

1 pack chicken legs and thighs (about 8-10 pieces)
1/2 onion (chopped finely)
4 cloves of garlic (smashed)
1/3 pack of baby carrots (about 18-22 carrots)
1 large potato (chopped into about 1 inch squares)
8 tablespoons olive oil (approximately, enough to cover the bottom of the dutch oven)
12 leaves fresh spinach (approximately, a handful)
water

Spice blend

salt
pepper

ginger
tumeric
cinammon
(mix these with each other until you get the desired flavor your looking for)

Line the bottom of the pan with olive oil, over medium heat. Smash the garlic cloves and add them. Add salt and pepper to your chicken and place them in the dutch oven (uncovered) to brown and add flavor. Whether you leave the skin on the chicken or not is your choice. The skin will eventually become soft as you add water to the stew. Turn them around to brown on all sides. As they are browning, add the remaining spices. Add the onions (you may add these sooner to add more flavor to the chicken, just make sure that they don't burn). Add carrots, potato and spinach. Turn the temperature down to medium-low, and let it all simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Add enough water to cover the stew halfway. Then cover and place in oven at 350-400 degrees. Check on it occasionally to be sure that there is enough water. It is ready after about 1 hour, but you can leave it in the oven for as long as you like (up to 4 hours. Just be sure that it has enough water). It will only become more savory!

If you have guests and would like to add to the illusion of being in Morocco, once it is cooked, serve it in a fancy decorative tagine.

So you want to decorate Moroccan-style,...but where do you start?

Do you like the idea of spicing up your home decor, but just don't know where to start? Not sure exactly how that would fit in your current home decor?

Well, a good place to start is by asking yourself what sort of mood and landscape you are trying to create in that space. What sorts of colors, shapes, lighting, and fabric will inspire the feeling you are going for?

This was taken from http://www.themed-homedecor.com a website dedicated to themed home decor.

Colors

Colors in the Moroccan decorating theme are warm and noted for their repeated geometric designs (such as diamonds, circles, triangles and arches) throughout the home, both whimsical and symbolic to the unique essence of their culture. Bright, vibrant color is abundant in Moroccan decor, and is demonstrated in complex tile designs, rugs and ornate fabrics used to decorate walls, windows, doors and furniture.

At left, a Moroccan stained-glass window; at right, a bathroom displaying

common traits in this design, including tiles, plasterwork and arched geometry.

Blue is a fundamental color in Moroccan interior design, with heavy influences from the Atlantic and Mediterranean, making turquoise and sea blue popular choices for doorways, window frames and shutters.

A Moroccan home, displaying characteristic geometric tiling,

arched doorways, and blue undertones.

Columns, walls and stairways are often adorned with earthy oxblood and rust, emerald greens and soft pinks, influenced by nearby forests, jagged rocks and glowing sunsets capturing the dazzle of Morocco. Old wooden furniture painted in energetic reds, blues and yellows, also help set the unique mystical tone in the Moroccan decorating style.

Floors are often seen as rich terracotta tile, with umber (burnt reddish-brown) or olive-colored baby bricks. Carpets of vivid oranges, sunset reds, spring greens and muted mauves lend themselves to designs including flowers, palm trees and animals.

Doors on interior walls are popularly outlined in unusual shades of aubergine (dark purple), turquoise, mustard and crimson. Being masters of painted wood and plaster of paris surfaces, Moroccans ornately decorate with graceful trees, elaborate flower bouquets, and sinuous vines embellished on furniture and home structures.

Color cues in Moroccan decor.

For assistance selecting your Moroccan themed colors, try these free online tools, the color wheel calculator (from Sessions School of Design) and the color visualizer (from Sherwin Williams).

Furniture

Moroccan furniture has the distinct look of furniture covered in cowhide, goat skin and camel skin. Hassocks, bureaus, armoires, tea tables, chairs and opium tables are often made from Thuja trees, and their extraordinary beauty offer an explosion of grains and varying hues giving character and a certain mystery to any Moroccan theme.

A modern approach to Moroccan decorating in this living room, with leather and wood

furniture, hardwood floors, colorful cushions, plants and open window treatments.

Moroccans are known for their marquetry skills, or inlaid work of variously colored woods or other materials, offered in chess sets, tables and chairs. Over-stuffed sofas, piled with tiger skin and embroidered pillows, are often complemented with large leather ottomans, offering a cozy setting for family get-togethers, or simply alone to enjoy a good book.

Colorful Moroccan hand made tiles are used in many tabletops, fireplaces, and even chairs. Bright and colorful upholstery in reds, purples, emerald and gold along with bronze or brass finishes add to the richness of the interior.

Fabrics

Traditional Moroccan decor incorporates beading or embroidery on sophisticated silk brocades, linens, wools and velvet. Moroccan homes typically feature traditional country textiles for bedspreads, throws and pillows, with heavy white canvas curtains, upholstery, and floor dressings consisting of rough-textured wools and cottons.

Textiles for sale at an outdoor market in Morocco.

Colors typically used in Moroccan decorating fabrics are red, purple, gold and green, which balance well against the terracotta earth tones of floors and walls. For that final element of comfort, weaved cushions and leather pillows should be placed generously on sofas and chairs.

Plants

There are several options to choose from when considering plant life in your Moroccan decor. Among the many choices include: Thuja trees, dwarf palms, umbrella pines from Italy, litchi trees from China, mango trees from Florida, blossoming orange and lemon trees, rose bushes, mimosa, snapdragons, hollyhocks, bougainvillea, bamboo, agaves and cacti.

The Moroccan decorating motif is characterized by its splendor of color and ornate attention to detail. Adding a touch of Morocco to your home can be accomplished in a variety of ways, with a single fixture or an entire room filled with what the region has to offer.

Pottery exemplifying Moroccan design in shapes, colors and texture.

Moroccan pottery comes in many beautiful shades of yellow, green, white and black glazes, enhancing jars, carafes, pitchers, vases and perfume bottles. Large terracotta pots can be of pale yellow, green and blue, and set off by unconventional plants such as coral sunset geraniums surrounded by graceful ferns.

Below are some additional ideas to get you on your way.

• Moroccan designed ceramics, pottery and tiles

• Mosaic candleholders, lamps, dishes and bowls

• Stained-glass tabletop and hanging candle lanterns

• Camel saddles

• Arabian night lanterns

• Hand-woven baskets and mats

• Eight-pointed star shaped picture and mirror frames

• Olive jars

• Mosaic tile fountain

• Ostrich feathers

• Animal skins and figurines

• Inkstands

• Oil lamps

• Old wooden trunks and hand-painted boxes

• Area Persian rugs overlapping and at different angles

• Silver picture frames

• Copperware

• Silk tassels

Lighting

Moroccan decorating can be quite exotic when it comes to lighting. Vibrantly stained-glass Moroccan lanterns, oil lamps, or candles scented with sandalwood provide just the right touch in this motif, and can be used on outdoor patios, verandas, or anywhere else inside the home.

Throwing candlelit patterns through geometrically carved glass both complements the patterns in the room while also adding a level of complexity to the surrounding surfaces.

Beautifully colored glass panes enhanced by brass or wrought-iron frames, either in plain and simple lines, or intricately ornate decor, project a particularly warm and eccentric glow over the room.

(From http://www.themed-homedecor.com/Moroccan-Decorating.html a decor site focused on themed home decor)

Modern Moroccan

(www.digsdigs.com)

The last blog made me want to post some interesting contemporary Moroccan-themed decor. Here are some nice ones. Maybe I'm biased, being a lover of the color purple, but I just love the way this bathroom looks.

(www.digsdigs.com)

What's traditional anyway?

I posted a comment yesterday on ApartmentTherapy.com in response to the decor in a home in Morocco, which was decorated in reds and grays. As I was posting the comment, I realize that it is a theme in my life, to find myself caught between absolutely loving the modernity, and not thinking it is authentic enough:

(http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/inspiration/a-gray-and-red-moroccan-riad-cote-maison-108550#comments)

Yes, I agree. I think its gorgeous too. It has a very modern feel for being Moroccan. Almost European. I love it when this sort of fusion happens, and when it works well. I feel its the way interior design, and our whole world, is headed really.

My parents are from Morocco, but I was born in the US and raised in the, strongly Moorish-influenced, south of Spain. There is a part of me, I find, that likes it when things stay true to their form. I suppose it makes me believe that I am getting a truly original version of whatever it is. I have had the tendency to apply this feeling to many things/experiences,.... music, food, decor, clothing, even remakes of movies I watched as a kid.

Over the last few years, and especially as relates to my business, I am really starting to see things so differently. First of all, the world is in constant flux; we are becoming so global, so worldly, so quick, so smart, so mixed and matched. It only makes sense that these sort of fusions happen, and, importantly, they are happening because people want them to happen. And that to me is open and beautiful.

Become rejuvenated by Morocco's Colors,... Shake off the Winter Blues

I ran across this posting at www.sensationalcolor.com and thought it was too good not to share. The author has done a great job demonstrating both how bold and amazing the Moroccan color palette is, and how it is so often used by advertisers and product developers to develop their new "escapist" line of winter products...

Written on March 13, 2009 by juliehoylen

Color Inspiration: The Color Palette of Morocco

They say that when the going gets tough the tough get going…but in this economy even the toughest can’t afford to ‘get going’ very far away these days.

So what’s one to do when a dream destination has you swooning to take flight while your ‘inner accountant’ has your feet firmly grounded at home .. you do the next best thing – partake in a little ‘escapism’ via color.

Last Spring found me craving bright kelly greens and yellow- what a difference a year can make- because this year the thought of longer days and new beginnings is translating to a palette way more exotic…. somewhere between Casablanca and Marrakesh to be exact.

I love when hot and cold colors collide…when earthy colors intermix perfectly with out of this world brights! Oh what I would do to be away from this cold, windy NY morning and on a lounge chair by this pool!!!!

How beautiful are these washed out reds and green/blues with the terra colored building and pop of bright orange.

Can you imagine swimming in a purple sea? This palette will be mine- perfect for an outdoor space.

A traditional market showcases an amazing range of intense hues… color shy- not in Morocco!

A great palette to re-work Spring’s traditional bright yellow- take that traditional pastels!

Just so you know all of these images are from In:Spa – an English company who has me saying YES, Please at the thought of going to just one of their incredible retreats! Check them out- I dare you not to drool….

And it seems I’m not the only ready for adventure in North Africa… a bevy of designers also seem to be drawing from the country’s amazing style and colors for their Spring 2009 collections.

Runway looks from Gucci, Alberti Ferretti, Etro, Reem Acura and Chloe from Style.com.

Sephora’s own line of eyeshadow in Moroccan Sunrise Palette ( $32 ) has five pretty earthy colors to mix with your favorite ‘Marakkesh inspired’ ensemble.

Moroccan style is abound in artist Anne Becker’s NYC apartment recently featured in Elle Decor…love it’s global sensibility amongst the backdrop of the ultimate ‘urban jungle’.

What an awesome retreat from the kinetic energy of New York- or anywhere for that matter!

My favorite perfume in all of the world right now- Jo Malone’s Pomegranete Noir- it has a spicy, mysterious quality that will have people crawling over each other to ask you what you’re wearing… I say this because the first time I smelled it on someone I did exactly just that!

It’s blends of Frankinscense, spicy woods and patchouli will have you feeling like a sexy undercover spy.

But don’t let your house get jealous- even the people at Febreeze are loving the scent of far away lands:

Check out this interesting article from the Wall Street Journal discussing it’s sophisticated scent… all so very interesting the trends of scent.

Yum , all this talk is making me hungry so I looked up a recipe I remember from Domino magazine ( heavy sigh) that is still up on line- so hurry and print it out before it longer is available- I will finally make it this week to complete my color and style indulgence.

Get the recipes and more stylish tips then you can shake a caftan at on Dominomag.com.

And to live vicariously through someone who actually had the guts to give up life here in the USA and follow her dreams of a never ending exciting land- read the poetic and always entertaining blog My Marrakesh- it will have you airing out your luggage-guarenteed!

Some more Moroccan Decorating tips

Thanks to Gene Rodriguez, III, staff writer at Life123.com for a lovely piece filled with tips on decorating your home Moroccan-style.

Moroccan decorating means a healthy dose of exotic eclecticism. Morocco’s history as a trade center and gateway to the Mediterranean has blessed it with influences from all over the world. You can take advantage of this diverse culture to create an exciting look in any room of your house.

Moroccan Decorating Basics

• It starts with color. The Moroccan color palette is based on a combination of earth and jewel tones. Colors tend to be rich, but not overly bright. When you think of Moroccan colors, think desert tones, spices and jewels and the cobalt-based blue that Morocco is famous for. Pick a palette of two or three colors with a primary color and a contrasting accent or two.
• Find your focus. As you begin to put together your Moroccan design, look for a focal point. A nice piece of Moroccan furniture or an antique decorated door are great places to start. Moroccan furniture uses darkly stained wood and tends to be intricately and ornately decorated, either with carvings or inlaid or painted designs. Decorated doors can be used as a wall hanging or divider screen or as a table or counter tops.
• Set the mood. Moroccan themed decorating tends to feature subdued, romantic lighting. Candle holders and ornate brass and colored glass lamps should have a prominent place. Avoid harsh overhead lighting where possible.
• Make it soft. Rugs, draped cloth and plenty of throw cushions will give your Moroccan décor the look of a luxurious trader’s tent. Cloth can be draped over headboards or doorways; cushions and pillows should be freely placed over beds and seating areas.
• Exotic accessories. Decorate your Moroccan room with exotic display pieces. Moroccan tiles are beautifully detailed and look perfect displayed on a small easel. Brass and wrought iron display pieces will bring the Casbah straight to your room. Clay olive and water jars can fill a corner with the rustic Moroccan beauty. (source- Life123.com written by Gene Rodriguez, III)

Decorate Your Home Moroccan-Style

If you're looking to bring an exotic yet elegant feel to your home, you should consider the elegantly mysterious elements found in Moroccan style décor. From vibrant colors to intricately designed wood and mosaic products, this luxurious, dramatic, and exciting style is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes.

Nestled between Europe and Africa, the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Morocco is a country of blending, influenced by the many cultures surrounding it. Acting as a crossroads between the east and west, north and south, Moroccan décor blends styles from France, Portugal and Spain from the northwest, with strong Mediterranean, African, Persian, and Islamic influences from the south and east. This results in a unique and inspirational style specific to Morocco.

The blazing African sun causes Moroccans to bring the outdoors in where they can enjoy an exotic oasis inspired by the landscape around them, in cool comfort. Vibrant colors are mixed with highly adorned furniture and accessories, potted plants, and gentle lighting to achieve the perfect indoor oasis.

From the glittering coastlines of Casablanca and Tangier to the snake charmers and spices in the air of bazaars in Marrakesh, inspiration can be found, whether you are looking for just a touch of exotic flair or a full make-over.

Achieving the perfect Moroccan look is simple with the right elements.

• Strong Color for Moroccan Style Interiors
  Color is the focal point of Moroccan decorating. Drawing inspiration from Morocco's landscape, look for shades of blue and green from the Atlantic and Mediterranean, shimmering gold and silver invoking the Sahara sands, and rich reds and oranges that conjure images of African sunsets.
• Moroccan Style Furniture
  Interior spaces are busy in pattern but simple in furniture. Sofas and tables are inviting and set low to the ground. Moroccan furnishings rely on elaborate wrought iron scroll work, mother of pearl inlay, ornately carved wood in high relief, richly hued upholstery, and intricate mosaic or terra cotta tile details.
• Luxurious and Lush Fabrics
  Fabrics in rich colors with intricate textures and designs are typical of Moroccan décor. Add throw pillows and cushions in abundance, and drape luxurious fabrics from furniture, window frames, and even the ceiling. Tie loose draped fabric back with heavy cords in high traffic areas to keep them out of the way and for extra space and added style.
• Lighting for an Exotic Interior
  Lighting is a an important element of Moroccan décor. Moroccan lighting focuses on dim lighting created by lamps and pendants made from colored glass, cut metal and carved wood. Using candles in traditional lamps will add the romantic element of moving light to your décor and exotic scents.
• Floors in Moroccan Interiors
  Floors of dark hardwood are covered with plush Persian rugs and stacked floor cushions to create the perfect base for a Moroccan style room. Ceramic tile is often on used for flooring and gives a coolness much welcomed in the hot weather.
• Reflect Colorful Décor
  Mirrors enhance the ambiance of a Moroccan interior by subtly reflecting light and adding adornment to walls. Look for mirrors with decorative wrought iron work, deeply carved wood, onion dome-shaped frames, and metal or jewel embellishments.
• Plants for Moroccan Decor
  Placed in large, colorful pots or baskets, exotic plants such as banana trees or papyrus help to create an oasis-like feel in a Moroccan style home.
• Canopies Overhead
  Richly hued sheer silk swagged over seating or dining areas or mosquito netting over beds adds a mysterious touch, reminiscent of desert bazaar tents.
• Sensual Moroccan Scents
  The right fragrances can instantly link the mind to Moroccan bazaars and can give your new Moroccan styling the perfect finishing touch. Choose candles, incense, or diffusers in scents rich with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron, or any exotic spice - (source about.com- interior design)
  

Learning and Sharing - Teaching English

It's been many months since I've been active on this blog. I suppose that now is as good a time as any to update what I've been up to.

While it has an alright year for MoraCo Imports, it has not been a terribly lucrative one. With gas prices soaring, jobs being lost and the constant buzz of the eminent crisis, its hard for anyone to justify spending money on things that are not absolute necessities. myself included. In an attempt to save costs, I downgraded my space and made some other deliberate choices to reduce my operating costs. Since there had been a general decline in the amount of work I had to take care of at MoraCo Imports, I found myself missing out on the cultural sharing, and the learning, that I had been experiencing up till that point.

In my free time, I studied to become certified as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, and I have been working as an adjunct professor teaching adults at a community college, as well as privately. I teach adult students on various levels, from the most basic to Business-level English.

I have always felt so fortunate to have been raised speaking three languages. While I can't take credit for having been raised in a multilingual way, it has, for as long as I remember, been a strong shaping force in my life.

Its not just about the three different languages, its about the three different cultures, and vice-versa. You don't learn a language in a vacuum. You learn it in the context of a culture. This is what I find most exciting about teaching. As a teacher, you don't just teach the word or the phrase, you have to teach the meaning too.

I am aware of how difficult it is to learn a new language, especially as an adult. And we tend to fear things that we can't understand. I have been so humbled by the genuine effort I have seen in my students. I wish them the best.

MoraCo Imports to Donate 5% of sales to Hurricane Ike Relief Fund

In American Red Cross shelters across Texas and Louisiana, workers are focused on providing shelter and food to thousands of residents who remain in need of emergency help following Hurricane Ike. Rows of Red Cross cots are lined up in school gyms, places of worship, sports venues and many other community buildings; meals are served by the thousands in Red Cross and community shelters and from Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles. These scenes continue long after reporters have packed up their cameras to follow the newest story. "I can tell you we won't be measuring this operation in weeks," said Joe Becker, senior vice president of disaster services for the Red Cross. "We will be measuring this operation in months." The combined costs of relief efforts for Ike and its Gulf Coast predecessor, Hurricane Gustav, could top 100 million dollars. (source – www.redcross.org, www.chron.com )

I have decided to donate 5% of all purchases made on the company’s website (www.moracoimports.com) to the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Ike relief fund. My heart goes out to all of the people who have been affected by this natural disaster. I can only imagine how rough it’s going to be to get things back on track, and I hope to be able to help out a little.

Hand Painted Wood Mirrors On Sales For A Limited Time. Get Yours today!

I am pleased to announce that the handcrafted wood mirrors at MoraCo Imports will be on sale for a limited time.



Visit www.moracoimports.com for 25% off these delicately painted wood mirrors (offer valid through 9/2/08).

New Moroccan Tea Glasses Have Just Arrived At www.moracoimports.com

In Morocco, drinking mint tea (Ataí) is considered a part of everyday life, and a fundamental symbol of hospitality, and community. Moroccan tea culture (Arabic) is defined by the way tea (exclusively green tea) is prepared and consumed in Morocco, where it is widely consumed with food. Tea occupies a very important place in the Moroccan culture and is considered an art form. Morocco is one of the biggest tea importers of the world. It is believed that tea was first introduced to Morocco in the 18th century, and began spreading through Morocco in the mid-1800s at the time the trade between Morocco and Europe started flourishing. It is reported that Sultan Moulay Ismail received many bags of tea and sugar as gifts and recompenses given by European envoys in order to release European prisoners. The main Moroccan tea provider remains China. According to the Moroccan trade ministry, Morocco imported more than $56 million worth of Chinese tea during the first half of 2006. Morocco is considered the first importer of Chinese green tea worldwide. When Moroccan tea is being served. It is poured from a distance to produce a foam on the tea. The method of preparation of Atai is relatively complex compared to methods used elsewhere. A large quantity of hard sugar cones or lumps (5 tea spoons for every spoon of tea) is used, and fresh mint is also an essential ingredient. Tea is cleaned with boiling water before being dried, this removes dust from shipping and supposedly makes the tea less bitter. Tea and boiling water are combined, and may be boiled further for several minutes. After that, sugar and mint are added and mixed into a teapot with a long, curved spout. The sugar may also be combined with the tea and water in the first infusion, rather than with the mint after brewing. Using a traditional curved spout allows the tea to be poured into tiny glasses from a height of approximately half a meter to form a foamy head. It is then returned once or twice to the teapot for a good mix. (source wikipedia)

MoraCo Imports' tea glasses were quite popular, and sold out quickly. I am pleased to announce that the latest shipment has just arrived full of tea glasses. The glasses are still available in Red, White and Blue. I'm excited to announce that they are now available in Green as well! Add a Traditional Moroccan Teapot to your order and celebrate your tea time Moroccan Style. Place your order today to receive free shipping and a free gift with any purchase!

FREE GIFTS AND FREE SHIPPING AT MORACO IMPORTS TODAY!!!!

MoraCo Imports is launching a special customer promotion - Free Shipping and a Free Gift with every purchase!

Now is the time to add a little touch of the exotic to your home.





Go to www.moracoimports.com today!

Safi - The Ceramics Capital of Morocco

My mother was born and raised in Safi, Morocco. Known by the locals as "Asfi", the town is Morocco's most famous ceramics center and home of the National Ceramics Museum of Morocco.







In the northern part of the city, you'll find the "Quartier des Potiers", the ancient potter's quarter full of artisans devoted to keeping this tradition going.





During my last visit, I was so impressed by a young man who creates the most beautiful decorated black ceramics pieces.




He has a small shop in Safi's "Potter's Quarter" where he crafts unique and sophisticated Moroccan pottery. I found his style to be innovative and traditional at once.




Each piece is crafted with the utmost care and precision,... down to the last dot or groove.







If you'd like to read more about Safi, there is a great article at http://lexicorient.com/morocco/safi.htm.

Safi (French: Safi, Arabic: آسفي) is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of the Doukkala-Abda Region, it has a population of 284,750 (2004 census), but is also the centre of an agglomeration which has an estimated 793,000 inhabitants (1987).

Safi is the main fishing port for the country's sardine industry, and also exports phosphates, textiles and ceramics. During the Second World War, Safi was one of the landing sites for Operation Torch.

(source: Wikipedia.org)








www.moracoimports.com