Make it a 2-2-1
Ah, love is in the air. Spring is just around the corner. February
has got to be one of the greatest months of the year. As one
marketer said, “Before Valentine’s Day was created, the most
exciting thing about February was President’s Day. I don’t know
about you but going home to you significant other and saying “Honey,
it’s president’s day, and I wanted you to know I love you.” That’s
about as sexy as proposing to a woman while getting a prostate
exam. But I digress.
Since love in the air this month, I wanted to get you a variety of
recipes that has all the makings of a veritable love potion # 9.
Gentlemen, the ladies dig on it when you get down in a culinary
sense. Remember (for those of you who will take the plunge and cook
for your loves) that it’s all in the details. Tablecloth, polished
silverware, crystal clear stemware, table and plate presentation,
and candle light. Let’s say with that, even a Big Mac and Fries
would set a woman’s heart a pitter-pat.
Details are the place where you distinguish yourself as being a hero
rather than a zero. It is the least amount that takes the most
time. That time is well spent when you score the home run. I never
have seen anyone ask a world champion if they thought it was all
worth the time. At the top of the game, it’s “ALL” worth it. But
that’s when you see the final result. Those are what everybody
sees. The details of the effort, that’s what we see after the fact.
It’s also what our loves see. They’ve seen the big picture, now
it’s time to show them infinite care we regard them with. In
essence, it is in the detail where you show that you’re committed
and willing to take the extra effort to make someone else happy.
All it takes is a little fore thought and creativeness, and you can
rock their spirit, hearts and minds.
There are particular food that have been noted as useful for
increasing natural urges. While testing has never yielded anything
conclusive, I believe in utilizing every advantage that God has
granted us. The following is a list of food substance that have
been noted in lore to increase our sexual desires. Use at your own
peril or pleasure.
Aniseed
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It
has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who
believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to
increases your desire.
Asparagus
Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently
enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed
spears for a sensuous experience.
The Vegetarian Society
suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful
affect".
Almond
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma
is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan
(almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner
treat.
Arugula
Arugula or "rocket" seed has been documented as an
aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added
to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts
and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and
pasta.
Avocado
The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl
which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the
fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles.
This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices
with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.
Bananas
The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is
partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac
food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve
succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with
banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint
bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex
hormone production.
Basil (sweet
basil)
Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility.
It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body
and mind.
Broccoli Rabe (And Other Mustard
Greens)
The ground seeds of various plants in the
brassica family were believed to increase virility. In the case
of broccoli rabe its more likely a myth created to get people to eat
this bitter vegetable.
Chocolate
The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the
Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect
neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine
called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer
preventing enzymes) than does red wine. The secret for passion is
to combine the two. Try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark
chocolate for a sensuous treat or let us temp you with our recipe
for
Chocolate Espresso Pots de creme.
Carrots
Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a
stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated
with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle
Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene.
Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?
Coffee
Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too
much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark
coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both
the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an
"all-nighter".
Coriander (Cilantro seed)
The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a
merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a
concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years
old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far
into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite"
stimulant.
Figs
An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs
and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking
open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic
act. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is
done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!
Garlic
The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires.
Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been
used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart
ailments. This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy a pasta with a
lightly garlicky sauce and it and lead up to something spicy in the
bedroom later.
Ginger
Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant
to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated
ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.
Honey
Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey
including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers
plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey.
Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to s
"sweeten" the marriage.
Liquorice (licorice)
The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes
since ancient times. The essence of the
Glycyrrhiza glabra
(licorice) plan,
glycrrhizin,
is 50 time sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of licorice root is
said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to
woman.
Mustard
Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase
desire. Prepare a tenderloin roast (filet mignon) for two with a
mustard and peppercorn sauce.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an
aphrodisiac. In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic
effect. A light sprinkling of the spice in a warm pumpkin soup can
help spice up your evening.
Oysters
Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the
Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by
Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine
and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the
oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a
very nutritious and high in protein.
Pine Nuts
Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male
potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used
to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine
nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.
Pineapple
Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic
treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a
tasty prelude to an evening of passion.
Raspberries and Strawberries
Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. "Both invite
love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples" Both
are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.
Truffles
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle
to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and
sensitize the skin to touch.
Vanilla
The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase
lust. According to the Australian Orchid Society, "Old Totonac lore
has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility
goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her
divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would
provide pleasure and happiness." Fill tall Champagne glasses to the
rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat.
Wine
A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic
interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses.
Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on
the color of the liquid. Caress the glass, savor the taste on your
lips. Do remember that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy
for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been
said to "arouse" but much more than that amount with have the
reverse affect.
Now that we know what ingredients we have to work with, below are a
few recipes to utilize these components. Get creative use all of
them, or just a few, just remember to get some roses. And of all
the things listed above is that next to diamonds, chocolate is a
girl’s best friend.
The word Sensual has its bases in the Senses. It is to excite the
senses, to have them blossom into full life. Cooking and eating can
be a very sensual act. If at all possible, feed each other. with a
little attitude and lot of eye contact, you'll have more fun than
you can imagine! Don't forget presentation. Sprinkle flower petals
or pieces of fresh fruits on your serving dishes. The details make
all the difference Seafood can be messy, so place a shallow dish
with water and a slice of lemon next to each plate. Sprinkle the top
with carnation petals and dip in as needed during your feast...
After the meal, roll up two moistened hand towels and stick them in
the microwave for 20 seconds. Unroll one and slowly wash your
companion's hands. Give the treatment you like to get: you're next!
May love be in every aspect of your lives, to inspire,
to create, to love and be love, that’s what it means to be human.
That’s what it means to have a soul.
Until next time, take care, love long, God Bless you all, and may
all your hungers be fulfilled.
Xander - The Food Dude