APHRODISIAC FOODS

Since Valentine's day is just around the corner, thought that this article would not hurt. Makes for a good read.


* 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- 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.
* Asafetida -An Indian dried, powedere herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicy flavor.
* 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.
* 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.
* Fennel- In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".
* 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 "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.

TUNA TOSTADAS

Ingredients-

Slices of french bread
Tuna flakes
Tomato slices
Mozzarella, grated
Spring onions, chopped
Capers, chopped
Pepper, crushed
Salt

Method-

* Toast the bread on one side.
* Mix the tuna, spring onions, capers, pepper and salt.
* Place the tomato slices on the untoasted side of the bread.
* Place the tuna mixture on top.
* Top with grated cheese.
* Gratinate under a salamander and serve hot.

GRILLED LAMB WITH MINT PESTO

Ingredients-

Leg of lamb or chops
Aubergine, sliced
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Lemon juice
Red wine
Worcestershire sauce

For the mint pesto-
Mint
Basil
Shallots
Pinenuts
Honey
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese

Method-

* Make a coarse pesto using the ingredients.
* Marinate the leg of lamb with salt, pepper, red wine, worcestershire sauce, bay leaf.
* Cook the lamb till done.
* Marinate the aubergine slices with salt, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil.
* Grill the aubergine on both sides till golden.
* Slice the Leg of lamb into thin slices.
* Arrange lamb and aubergine in alternate fashion and top with mint pesto.

WHAT IS CLAFOUTIS

Clafoutis is a kind of dessert or cake. It is made by

topping a layer of fresh fruit, often cherries or strawberries,

with batter. This is baked and after baking bits of fruit poke through the top of the cake. It is mainly an American and Canadian dish.

SPICY COCONUT HUMMUS

Ingredients-

Fresh coconut, grated-1 no
Chickpeas, soaked-200 gms
Tahina paste-2 tbsp
Lemon juice-2 tbsp
Fresh red chilli-2 nos
Olive oil-3 tbsp
Salt
Pepper

Method-

* Place all in a food processor and blend.
* Check for seasoning.

GREEN PEA HUMMUS

Ingredients-

Green peas, fresh-300 gms
Chickpeas, soaked-100 gms
Tahina paste-2 tbsp
Lemon juice-1 tbsp
Olive oil-3 tbsp
Salt
Pepper

Method-

* Mix all and blend in a food processor.
* Check for seasoning.
* If the hummus is too thick, reserve chickpea liquid and use it to thin down hummus.

BACON MASHED POTATOES

Ingredients-

Potatoes-3 large
Bacon rashers-3
Spring onions-3 stalks
Cream -2 tsp
Salt
Pepper

Method-

* Peel and roughly cut the potatoes.
* Boil and strain.
* Chop the spring onions.
* Grill the bacon rashers in a pan.
* Remove and chop the bacon and reserve the fat.
* In the same pan add the potatoes, bacon, spring onions.
* Mix well.
* Add cream and check for seasoning.
* Serve hot.

YOGHURT ROAST CHICKEN

Ingredients-

Chicken
Yoghurt
Honey
Salt
Pepper
Oregano
Olive oil

Method-

* Mix all the ingredients except the chicken.
* Mix the chicken well.
* Let it to marinate overnight or for atleast 1 hour.
* Roast in a pre-heated oven.
* Serve hot with mashed potatoes.

SESSAME PEANUT DRESSING OR DIP

Ingredients-

4 tbsp peanut butter
1 tsp garlic, chopped
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
2 tbsp sesame, toasted

Method-

* Mix all together.
* It will be a very thick dressing. So can be used as a dip.
* Thin it down by adding olive oil and it can be used as a dressing.

JAPANESE DRESSING

Ingredients-

4 tbsp mirin
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp wasabi
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp fresh red chillies, chopped

Method-

* Mix all the ingredients together.
* Use in a sald with avocado. It is a good combo. But you can also try ur own stuff.