We're halfway through Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Although it's a time of spiritual reflection, there's also a focus on food and Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sundown. This is no exception in the food-centric North African country of Morocco, where nearly 99 percent of the population practices Islam. Moroccan cuisine is distinctive and unique, thanks in part to the Read more

What is it about shrimp that's so delectable? Could it be their pretty pink color? Succulent plumpness? Extreme versatility? Fast cook time? Whatever it is, they are a crowd-pleasing item that's a regular on my dinner party menus. For a recent shindig, I served these spicy, finger-licking-good, Moroccan-inspired shrimp. It's a quick and easy recipe that results in a delicious appetizer. Measure Read more

Although I would love to be the proud owner of a tagine, a special cooking pot with origins in Morocco, at this point in my life, I don't have the funds or space for this utilitarian cooking vessel. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy a homemade tagine every now and then — I simply use my slow cooker to braise the meat for a long period of time. This lamb version is my current favorite tagine. It Read more

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member drienz08 from the Su Casa group: When I saw this tutorial that Emily did over at Jones Design Company, I just had to do it! It was elegant, looked simple enough, and was perfect timing, since I was contemplating redoing the guest bathroom. To say it was a tedious project is an understatement. It took time and patience, but overall it was completely Read more

During the work week, I try to eat a veggie-packed salad for lunch everyday. Yesterday's was so delicious, I snapped a photo and decided to share the recipe with you. It's a spinach salad with roasted red peppers, garbanzo beans, and sautéed eggplant. The thing that makes it especially flavorful is the vinaigrette — it's a mixture of sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoky harissa. Although Read more

YumSugar editor Katie Sweeney recently hosted a Moroccan-theme dinner party and shared a photo of her decor with the Lovely Little Vignettes group. She writes, "Here is the tablescape from my half birthday dinner party last night. I did a Moroccan menu and had everyone sit on the floor around my coffee table." The table setting looks fabulous, doesn't it!? Not only do I love this exotic style, Read more

Southern vegetable staple okra is everywhere this time of year at Bay Area farmers markets, and it's perfect in everything from Summer skillet stir-fries to soothing, slow-cooked tagines like this one. The key to this tender vegetable braise is lots of patience and a fiery, full-bodied garlic and pepper paste known as harissa. Use it to add layers of savory complexity to this slow-cooked Read more

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Colin Cowie, wedding planner and lifestyle guru. This week Colin discusses the rehearsal dinner. Your wedding reception is certainly the more formal of your celebratory events taking place around the wedding itself. The evening before, welcome friends from out of town, close family members, and your bridal party with a dinner that’s out of Read more

Since most of you eat chicken a couple times a week, I thought I'd share a really basic slow cooker recipe that produces solid results. This spiced carrot and chicken stew takes inspiration from the slow-braised tagines of North Africa, with flavors like cinnamon, cumin, cilantro, and golden raisins. If you aren't crazy about chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts. Serve over couscous or Read more

It's just one week until Dec. 25, and between the Christmas cookies, edible gifts, and holiday cocktail parties, my regular diet has gone by the wayside. Tonight I'm taking matters into my own hands by making a healthy steak and couscous dish. Couscous is a simple ingredient and it's important to season it well. This recipe does so with a Moroccan-inspired mixture of spices — cumin, coriander, Read more