M’hanncha

The snake, or m’hanncha as it is known in Arabic, is the most famous, traditional sweet dish in Morocco. This coiled pastry looks impressive and tastes divine. The crisp, buttery filo is filled with almond paste that has been scented with cinnamon and orange flower water. Serve m’hanncha as a dessert or as an afternoon snack with mint tea. Every Moroccan, whether young or old, has grown up with this pastry, so a book on Moroccan food would not be complete without it.