And then there was the year some Ras el hanout came my way. Perhaps the most renowned ingredient from the region, this Moroccan spice blend can contain upwards of 30 ingredients. I am told it is a point of honour for Moroccan spice merchants to have the most sought after versions in the souk (market).

Legendary versions have included ingredients as bizarre as hashish and the notorious Spanish fly! My considerably less exotic version boasted cubeb pepper, long pepper, lavender and rose buds and was like a spice blend for a curry, with a spicy kick (not chilli hot), with added floral notes.

But I will stop telling stories and give you a few recipes to try out now. All the recipes are for small batches, so you can sample each without too much spoiling.

Photograph: stock.xchnge