Spearmint/Peppermint

Spearmint for Tea

Growing by my Pond.
Spearmint has a sharper flavor than Peppermint. 
Peppermint leaves are rounder than Spearmint leaves. 

Peppermint tends to be more delicate and sweet.  I use Spearmint for savory dishes and rich sauces. 

Peppermint is a better choice for desserts and simple vegetable dishes.

For tea use fresh leaves or let dry for winter months.

How can I forget those magic afternoons in Rabat Morocco, the carpet shops in the Medinas of Fez and Marrakesh, sipping Mint tea made with lots of fresh tea leaves and many, many cubes of sugar.

Have a wonderful and sweet week my dear
 Blogging Friends. 

Gina 

https://betweennapsontheporch.net/

Painting Lessons

Cindy, my favorite Student, visited with me for a few days.  Lucinda is no ordinary student.  Cindy is a very accomplished Ceramist as you will clearly see. 

 Cindy threw these incredibly beautiful vessels for me.

 These are not small, in fact they are surprisingly large and not easy to throw on a potters wheel.

Last September, we visited the Museum of Marrakesh

The Museum is housed in the fabulous Dar M'Nebhi Palace, Place Ben Youssef, Marrakesh, Morocco. The building dates back to the 19th century and is a fine example of classical Andalusian Architecture.  It is often referred to as the "Jewel of Marrakesh".

I was immediately drawn to this vessel.  It is the unusual shape which caught my eye.

I sent Cindy a picture and look what a fine job she did recreating the same shapes.

It would be interesting to paint my new bowls in colors akin to colors which make Morocco the special and fascinating place that it is.

I'm tempted to paint the inside of the bowl in strong ochre colors, the color of the Moroccan desert, or I might want to refrain from using too much color and let the beautiful shapes speak for themselves.

Please, help me out my dear Blogging Friends.  What do you think? 

Gina 

 

Morocco

Colors, patterns, spices, visual overload, humanity, that is Morocco

One of many beautiful artifacts collected by Maryam for her "Peacock Pavilions"  Riad in Marrakech, Morocco

Peacock Pavilions, a boutique guesthouse, a  peaceful oasis, just outside of Marrakech

One of the Peacock Pavilions'  bedroom walls, stenciled by "Royal Design Studio"

The Medina

Take time to have a fabulous lunch at the "Hotel Restaurant French" You will find it at one of the corners of the Djemaa el Fna.

On the way to the High Atlas Mountains, on the outskirts of a small village, a market day was in full swing.

Put on your glad rags and have lunch at the La Mamounia

After a 3 year renovation, the legendary Hotel La Mamounia has reopened.  It was completely redesigned by Jaques Garcia.  We stayed at the Mamounia 25 years ago.  I liked it better then.  It had more charm.   So much marble this time and so dark. 

I kept falling off and on to the thick carpets.  I did like the six handsome young men, dressed in all white flowing robes, opening doors for me every time I approached.

Next stop Paris

Gina