Beverages Archives - The Direction of Your Dreams

Beverages August 31, 2018

Avocado Shake

Smoothies made with milk and avocado are absolutely delicious. I have to admit, I never thought I would say that. I like milk and I like avocados, but the combination of the two did not sound inviting to me. It took me a long time to try it.

When I did, I immediately loved it! It is smooth and creamy and a touch sweet. It is filling and oh so good for you. Avocados are abundant and inexpensive here in Morocco and you can buy this drink almost everywhere.

According to this Heart Healthy article, avocados have health benefits such as:

1. They are nutritious
2. They contain more potassium than bananas
3. Avocado is Loaded With Heart-Healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
4. They Are Loaded With Fiber
5. Eating Avocados Can Lower Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
6. People Who Eat Avocados Tend to be Healthier
7. The Fat in Them Can Help You Absorb Nutrients From Plant Foods
8. Avocados Are Loaded With Powerful Antioxidants That Can Protect The Eyes
9. They May Help Prevent Cancer
10. Avocado Extract May Help Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis
11. Eating Avocado May Help You Lose Weight
12. They are Delicious and Easy to Incorporate in The Diet

They are easy to make at home and there are all kinds of recipes on line like this one from MarocMama, another Moroccan blogger.

Try it! I bet you will love it too.

Beverages February 13, 2018

Moroccan Mint Tea

When you come to Morocco, you won’t get far before you will spot the aromatic, tall, hot glasses of Moroccan mint tea. Prepare Moroccan mint tea using Chinese green gunpowder tea, spearmint leaves, and sugar. Lots of sugar.

The most typical type of sugar used in the tea is a conical shape or the small sugar cubes. If you ask for tea without sugar, they will bring the unsweetened tea to you but on the side, you will still find sugar, in case you change your mind.

When you serve the tea in a pot, there is a particular way to pour the tea, which allows it to aerate and to form a foam. Hold the teapot as high in the air as possible to still take aim at the tea glass and pour.

While mint tea is traditional to the Greater Maghreb region of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauretania, it has spread through North Africa and to Sahel, France, and other Arab countries.

In Spain this tea is known as ‘Moorish tea” and the summer version is served cold. In Morocco, the tea is served hot year round.

Drinking tea is a highly social activity in the area,similar to drinking alcohol in Europe and North America. It can be used in ceremonies and refusing tea is considered impolite.

Moroccan tea is traditionally served in a glass instead of cups.

A simple way to prepare the tea is:

1. Combine two teaspoons of tea leaf (Chinese green gunpowder) with a half liter of boiling water. Allow it to steep at least 15
minutes.
2. Without stirring, filter the mixture into a stainless steel pot so that the tea leaves and coarse powder are removed.
3. Add about one teaspoon of sugar per 100 milliliters of liquid
4. Bring to a boil again to dissolve the sugar.
5. Add fresh mint leaves to the teapot or directly to the glass.

Beverages January 19, 2018

Avocado Smoothies

Smoothies made with milk and avocado are absolutely delicious. I have to admit, I never thought I would say that. I like milk and I like avocados, but the combination of the two did not sound inviting to me. It took me a long time to try it.

When I did, I immediately loved it! It is smooth and creamy and a touch sweet. It is filling and oh so good for you. Avocados are abundant and inexpensive here in Morocco and you can buy this drink almost everywhere.

According to this Heart Healthy article, avocados have health benefits such as:

1. They are nutritious
2. They contain more potassium than bananas
3. Avocado is Loaded With Heart-Healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
4. Avocados Are Loaded With Fiber
5. Eating Avocados Can Lower Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
6. People Who Eat Avocados Tend to be Healthier
7. The Fat in Them Can Help You Absorb Nutrients From Plant Foods
8. Avocados Are Loaded With Powerful Antioxidants That Can Protect The Eyes
9. Avocado May Help Prevent Cancer
10. Avocado Extract May Help Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis
11. Eating Avocado May Help You Lose Weight
12. Avocado is Delicious and Easy to Incorporate in The Diet

They are easy to make at home and there are all kinds of recipes on line like this one from MarocMama, another Moroccan blogger.

Try it! I bet you will love it too.

Bars January 12, 2018

La Giralda Cafe in Tangier

It didn’t take long to identify La Giralda as one of those “go to” places for eating and drinking. There are many reasons it gets high marks. The incredible view is one of the main ones.

La Giralda is located on rue de Pasteur directly overlooking the Terrasse de Paresseux. The large windows open to let in the nice breezes and the cigarette smoke out, gaze on a postcard like vista of palm trees, terraced gardens, and the sea.

The dining room is sumptuously decorated with a beautifully carved ceiling, tapestried curtains, upholstered seats, and columns. You will feel like you are in a place much more expensive than what you will pay for the pleasure of tea, coffee, breakfast or a light lunch here.

The menu is made of up an assortment of breakfast items, crepes (both sweet and savory) and some sandwiches. Tea, coffee, and juices are offered for beverages. You can eat a large brunch for two for less than 10 euro.

I like to order omelets with cheese and mushrooms, toast and coffee. The plate is always decorated with some cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. Fresh squeezed orange juice accompanies most orders. There are some Moroccan specialties on the breakfast menu such as dried beef with eggs that you should definitely consider.

All types of juice drinks are popular in Morocco. You can usually order whatever combination you like depending on what is in season. For example orange and banana, banana and strawberries, or my favorite, milk, and avocado are all good choices. It sounds peculiar but it’s absolutely delicious.

With the cooler weather, this is the perfect spot for Sunday brunch and we take advantage of it often. The service is splendid and I assure you that you won’t be disappointed on any front. I’ll take you here when you visit Tangier.

Bars December 15, 2017

Cafe Hafa-Historic Cafe in Tangier

Cafe Hafa is a magical place located on the cliffs of Tangier overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. We like to go there at almost any time of day, but particularly for lunch. Sunset is a very popular time, so if you decide to go there then, go at least an hour before sunset and earlier if it is on a weekend. Cafe Hafa is a popular place for locals as well as tourists.

They serve mint tea all day and in tall glasses with lots of fresh mint and sugar. We order Fava Bean soup, which comes with a loaf of crusty bread and a bowl of olives. Spicy harissa is on the side for those who like a little heat. Dip the crusty bread in the thick soup and feel the comfort of simple food in an enchanted place.

The café opened in 1921 and after almost 100 years of existence, it is a landmark place to visit in Tangier. It is characteristically styled with mosaic tables and a tiered whitewashed terrace that cascades down to the sea. Everyone can see the glorious views. Trees and flowering shrubs grow throughout the terraced space giving shade, privacy, and a tropical feel.

Cruise ships, freighters, fishing boats and sailors all pass by this busy canal on their way to someplace exotic. The coast of Spain is visible on a clear day, and ferries shuttle visitors and workers back and forth hourly.

An inspiration for artists of all types, this café was a hangout for Paul and Jane Bowles, William S. Burroughs, The Beatles, Jami Hendrix, Sean Connery, and The Rolling Stones.

Café Hafa is not easy to find, but hop in any petite taxi and say “Café Hafa, Marshan” and they will take you there. Once you exit the taxi, look for the small alley sized street where people are exiting and walk down it. You will find Café Hafa marked with a white arch, seaside. Enjoy!