A Celebration of Moroccan Flavors in France

A hands-on in-person cooking class culminating in a dinner served with wine and beer. This class is limited to 14 students. Review our registration and cancellation policies here. 

For 44 years, Morocco was a protectorate of France. This link between the two countries created a pathway for Moroccan cuisine to be introduced and popularized in France. Moroccan cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of bold flavors and aromatic spices. A classic example is chicken tagine, slow-cooked to tender perfection in a traditional clay pot. The chicken is infused with a blend of spices like ginger, turmeric and saffron, and often combined with olives, preserved lemons, and sweet dried fruits like apricots or figs, creating a harmonious balance of savory and sweet.  To complement these dishes, zaalouk—a rich and smoky eggplant and tomato salad—stands out with its velvety texture and a punch of garlic, olive oil, cumin, and paprika. The smokiness of the eggplant pairs beautifully with tomatoes, creating a dish that is both refreshing and deeply flavorful, often served as a side or a dip with crusty bread.

Top everything off with homemade harissa, the spicy smoky red chili paste that is great on everything! 

Join Zoé McLaughlin for an evening in the kitchen, where she will guide you through her recipes, inspired by her time cooking and living in Paris.

MENU

Zaalouk—Charred Eggplant with Tomatoes Flavored with Garlic, Cilantro, Parsley, Paprika, Cumin Served with Grilled Bread

Chicken Tagine with Dried Figs, Chickpeas & Pistachios Flavored with Ginger, Turmeric & Saffron

Couscous with Toasted Slivered Almonds & Raisins

Homemade Harissa 

This menu contains the following common allergens: Egg, Tree Nuts, Dairy, Wheat. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions that concern your ability to cook along, please e-mail info@18reasons.org before purchasing a ticket.

Let’s Cook Together! 

Zoé McLaughlin was born in Paris and raised in San Francisco. She graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and worked in restaurants in France while she wrote and published her first cookbook – a collection of family recipes influenced by her multicultural upbringing. She now lives in San Francisco, where she works in the non-profit culinary world and hosts online cooking demonstrations. She has a passion for bringing together the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the Bay Area with the time tested techniques of classical French cooking.

_{Photo courtesy of Zoé McLaughlin}