Food or Sex: How about both?
Posted By: chefkyle24 | March 16, 2010 | 1 comment
To understand what aphrodisiacs are, we must fist look into what they are defined to be. Aphrodisiacs are any substances (food or liquid) that is thought to enhance, or heighten the sex drive and/or sexual performance of an individual. The term is derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality and love. Please keep in mind that this is an ancient philosophy/myth, and modern day science has yet to prove that there is any connection between certain foods and the human sex drive. However, modern science has yet to answer many questions we as humans have, so maybe there is something there that they have missed.
Perception is reality. Speaking psychologically, there is a term dubbed “the placebo effect”. It states that if a person believes something to be true, then it will be true in their minds. For example: when children fall and scrape their knee, they cry and scream, when you but a band-aid on it, and say all better, it usually is. The band-aid is perceived by the child to make it all better, and the pain goes away. Therefore, if you are cooking with substances that are supposed aphrodisiacs, and you tell your significant other these next few facts about them, chances are they will feel there heart pumping and the promiscuity level rising. Thus, increasing the level of pheromones, which your body will subconsciously sense, producing more pheromones for your partner to pick up. Add a little soft music, candle light, and perhaps some flowers, and it sounds like the aphrodisiacs will do the trick! (Very important note: Do not use scented candles! They will mask the smell of your natural aphrodisiacs cooking, and it will lessen the effect!)
1. Oysters- Oysters are by far my favorite aphrodisiacs! Either raw, or baked “Rockefeller” style- the shape, smell and taste of fresh Oysters are incredible. Personally, keep the hot sauce, I will take a little lemon squeeze, and I like to make a fresh ginger mignonette to accompany my shelled aphrodisiacs. These are not the only Bi-valves considered to be aphrodisiacs. Mussels and clams fall into this category as well. In the 1800-early 1900’s, Oysters were so abundant in the UK and in New York, they were considered a great common food for the working class. Paired great with Guiness, or any heavy stout, they were a form of nutrition for the common people. As demand increased and scarcity became a factor, the oyster cultivators in New York brought in foreign oysters. These foreign oysters caused disease which made the product less available, driving prices through the roof and turning them into the luxurious delicacy that we know and love today.
2. Truffles- By far the most mysterious fungus that we have come to love as a food. These fungi grow wild underground in Europe (France and Italy) and are considered the “diamond of the kitchen”. These were made popular to the public during a period in the history of cuisine known as the haute cuisine period. These little aromatic “gems” look like coal, or rocks and should be shaved thinly over a nice pasta, eggs, potatoes, chicken, beef, or a mushroom dish. The simpler the dish, the better the truffle will go. If you don’t have the $1200 a pound to spend on fresh truffles, I recommend that you get a nice bottle of truffle oil, and use it sparingly as a finishing oil to some of these dishes.
3. Caviar- Sturgeon roe is the only way to go. The American Sturgeon roe is a good, cheap substitute. However, it cannot compete with beluga, osetra, or sevruga. Coming from Russia and Iran mainly the Caspian Sea, these delicacies are fantastic with hors d’oeuvres and champagne. These little eggs pear well with scallops, lobster, hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, (any type of egg for that matter) and of course toast points.
4. Lobster- Definitely Maine Lobster- no questions about that. I was not a fan of lobster until I went to Maine this summer. What an amazing product. The scent of fresh lobster boiling, or on the grill is sure to get your significant other a little hot and bothered. Just don’t overcook them! Then the lobsters will be hot and your significant other will be bothered!
5. Figs- For centuries, figs have been enjoyed and admired by civilizations throughout the Mediterranean. The curvy body of the figs evokes and suggests the natural curves of a woman’s body. Also, a fig leaf was in popular use in many sculptures to cover a man’s genitalia, leaving their secrets to the imagination. Enjoy raw, dried, or grilled. Serve with strong creamy/crumbly cheeses such as goat, brie, or bleu.
6. Mushrooms- Again another fungus that is quite the aphrodisiac. Mushrooms provide a great earthy flavor to your dishes, enhancing your connection to nature and the earth bringing you to a Zen like mind state, and they are also very healthy for you. There are many forms and varieties, however search for “Oyster mushrooms” to enhance your aphrodisiac dinner.
7. Beets- Beets are more than just a condiment at Thanksgiving. It is said that the crimson color of red beets is “guaranteed to make passions flare”. Their earthy/sweet flavor brings a unique aspect to your aphrodisiac dinner, and with such unique flavors on your palate, you are sure to be in for a unique experience.
8. Nuts- They have sustained mankind over the centuries in times of drought, famine, and scarcity. They are high in fats, potassium, and incomplete proteins that help nourish the body. They are great accents to dishes and when composing flavors, their nutty aroma and flavor can bring to life the rest of the components in the dish. Also great to utilize in desserts as well.
9. Papaya- Papayas are a great mild fruit to entice your lover with. The smooth outer skin bringing to mind the smooth skin of your lover, and the round shape entices the mind of the sensual curves of a woman. The bright flesh, mild sweet flavor, and softness on the tongue is very arousing. Most definitely one of the most over looked aphrodisiacs around!
10. Chocolate- I had to save the best for last! Who doesn’t love chocolate? I could write for days about it, however I am only going to write about one thing chocolate- my favorite chocolate dessert. Chocolate Soufflé. It is light, decadent and rare to find. It is sure to end your evening with your lover in a great way. Well… perhaps after chocolate soufflé, your evening will just be beginning. Chocolate has been used as a medicine for years, as well as a stimulant, and food flavoring. From the Spanish Mole’ sauce, to Swedish chocolate pastries, the uses for chocolate are as endless as the blades of grass in a field. Use it however you like. No matter how, it is sure to stimulate you and your lover in more ways than one!
Chef Kyle Greene
Culinary Contributor www.sugarcanedining.com, Executive Chef, The Wooden Spoon Chef Services
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monica stevens March 30, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I love to have some fruit or food in my sex. it gives me a perfect approach toward my parnter’s feeling. With chocolate, cream and ice masterfully executed hopefully to both your own and your partner’s satisfaction in part one of my guides to food sex; it’s now time to think out of the box. I have read this interesting story about food and sex blog here.
http://www.adultxdating.com/blogs/food-in-sex-sex-dating/
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