The thick red copper cauldron (sṭal – سطل) is rounded perfectly to the base, mottled with spots, it shows years of work, even though to me it is new. Its handles are also perfectly rotund, nailed to the sides with two handmade splints. An arm’s length in diameter, it sits plump on the stove. I fire it up.
Continue reading “The Red Cauldron”Author: miriamhicklin
The Changing of the Seasons in Fes
My experience of seasonal living has been deepened immensely since living in Fes, and I never realised quite how revolutionary this would be to my body, heart and soul.
Continue reading “The Changing of the Seasons in Fes”In Praise of the Process
It is ALL about the process.
Continue reading “In Praise of the Process”On Andalusian Gardening: The Hidden Link in the Chain of Horticultural History
At Cordoba, in the 9th century, the gardeners of Abd el-Rahman I built the first botanical garden on European soil.
It wasn’t until over 600 years later, that the same was attempted in Christian Europe.
The first tulip came to Europe via Turkey to Spain, 500 years before it was taken to Holland.
Continue reading “On Andalusian Gardening: The Hidden Link in the Chain of Horticultural History”Recipe: Honeyed Pumpkin Jam
This is another special recipe I learnt from my wonderful mother-in-law, which is super versatile and delicious with almost anything.
Continue reading “Recipe: Honeyed Pumpkin Jam”Interview with Hamza: The Ecosystem of Wisdom
The Interview Collection
I’m lucky to be surrounded by inspiring friends, and often take for granted that I get to have inspiring conversations on a daily basis.
Continue reading “Interview with Hamza: The Ecosystem of Wisdom”The Boiling Pot: Spirituality and Herbal Distillation
Distilling with Sherifa
It’s an overcast day in March, occasional clouds drizzling soft trills of rain onto the courtyard.
Optimistically, I set the alembic up in a corner, knowing that unless it pours, we’ll be safe under the cedar beamed edges of the open roof.
Continue reading “The Boiling Pot: Spirituality and Herbal Distillation”Brewing Soulful Moroccan Tea
Morocco is famous for its tea.
Walk through any Moroccan market and you’ll find fresh fragrant mint being sold in huge bunches, piled high and sold for a dirham.
As you move around the medina of Fes, you’ll find carts laden with fresh herbs. Marjoram, Thyme, Rosemary, Verbena, Pennyroyal, Wormwood and Sage.
Continue reading “Brewing Soulful Moroccan Tea”How we Shop: An Homage to the Journey
You can ask the neighbours, they find it funny too.
Baby strapped onto my back (happy as a clam) and shopping trolley in hand, I swing the heavy iron front door closed and roll our way down the hill.
It’s already eleven in the morning because it takes us so long to get out of the house (we have a long breakfast!), and most of the neighbors are already on their way back.
Continue reading “How we Shop: An Homage to the Journey”Research: Contemporary Fassi Healing
Paper Title: Between the Lines of the ‘Traditional’ and the ‘Modern’: Meaning and Efficacy in Contemporary Fassi Healing
Continue reading “Research: Contemporary Fassi Healing”
The Atlas Apothecary Sourcebook 