The North African Kingdom of Morocco is only 13kms from Europe and was voted as having the second-best food in the world by the WorldSIM Travel Blog in 2014.

Home to some of the world’s best chefs, Mourad Lahlou and Mohamed El Harouchi amongst them - both holding one Michelin star - Morocco shares its borders with Algeria and the Western Sahara and gained independence from France in 1956. Visitors to the country, home to 33.6 million people, will be inspired by the rich and spicy aromas and colourful foods and cookware, alongside bright tapestries and lanterns making Morocco a magical destination for food and culture lovers.

Mint tea is the traditional drink with Morocco being the biggest importer in the world. Whether you’re dining in or out, or simply shopping in a souk, this refreshment is always available and boasts several health benefits including soothing the digestion, relieving heartburn and is also reportedly good for your skin. Mint tea also helps to cool the body’s temperature which is very handy if you’re enjoying the Mediterranean climate of Morocco (or if the British weather lets you down, turn up the heating for a similar effect!). Versatile dishes such as tagine, named after the earthenware pot in which it’s cooked, the North African Berber dish couscous or Morocco’s traditional soup starter harira are amongst the popular meals.

Harira is traditionally served as a starter or is popular as a snack on its own and is made using tomatoes, lentils and chickpeas. Couscous, should be light and fluffy for ultimate flavour, and is a healthy dish which can be eaten either hot or cold and can also be adapted to suit your taste buds. Tagine is usually made with chicken or lamb, a variety of colourful herbs and spices and fruit. This slow cooked dish provides a burst of colour alongside sensational fragrances and its taste can also be adapted to your liking. A predominantly Muslim country, 93% of its population follow Islam, why not try these recipes here and throw a Moroccan themed dinner party at the end of June to join in with Eid celebrations marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan?

Stockpots are ideal for bulk cooking to ensure you and your guests have plenty left over for second helpings. If you choose the Circulon Ultimum Stockpot, you’ll need little, to no oil, due to its non-stick feature and its reinforced pan base and rim allows for fast, even heat cooking. We’ve made it with flat rivet technology too to make it easy to clean afterwards giving you more time to enjoy yourself. Find out more about the product here.

To really impress friends and family, here are a few basic Arabic words and phrases used in Morocco which also counts Berber and French amongst its languages: • Salamu alaykum – literally meaning ‘peace be upon you’ this is used as a common greeting • Shukran – thank you • Be Sahha – literally means ‘with health’ Why not go the extra mile by asking guests to dress in traditional Moroccan clothes to add an extra touch of the exotic to your dinner party. Drape your table with colourful textiles, offer mint tea using fresh mint leaves served in small glassware and place your dishes on colourful ceramic plates. For the authentic experience, eat with your hands but remember – Moroccan’s never eat with their left hand. A Moroccan dinner party wouldn’t be complete without traditional music and dancing to add to the ambience! A non-alcoholic affair, your guests will be drunk on wonderful smells, tantalising tastes and mesmerising music and dance!