In the Mood: Aphrodisiac Foods
Dried Calimyrna Figs are thinly sliced into a heart shape for a sexy starter to a romantic Valentine’s dinner. And don’t forget the bubbly!
I’m not sure green M&M’s are what the Greeks had in mind when they coined the term, “aphrodisiac,” but lust-enhancing food and ingredients have played a big part in every culture’s culinary kitchen since ancient times. The root of the word was Inspired by Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality and love, but aphrodisiac foods are less the stuff of scientific medicine and more akin to a sort of sympathetic magic — foods that have a sexy or sensual shape or just an intrinsic belief. Whatever your belief, here are some of my favorite aphrodisiacs for your consideration. And remember, I know you save those green M&M’s for last!
For some retro fun, listen to BowWowWow’s “Aprhodisiac” while you select your seduction potion for your sweetie this weekend! For a full Valentine’s menu and recipes, scroll down to the post of February 8th or click here.
Champagne - in moderation, this drink of love is perfect for a romantic tryst but overindulge and you may find you went to bed with your beer goggles on. I love the selection at Pasanella & Son Vinters in NYC. They’ll recommend the perfect pairing.
Chocolate - seductive dark chocolate is said to contain both a sedative that relaxes and lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to increase activity and the desire for physical contact. It was actually banned from some monasteries and yet monks make some of the best chocolate ever. All I know, is dark chocolate is a flat belly food! My favorite is the Serious Dark Slab Chocolate with Roasted and Carmelized Nibs from Pure Dark in NYC.
Figs - the Greeks celebrated the harvest of seasonal crops with frenzied copulation. You may want to take it slow and stay out of the garden (or not)! Figs are my favorite sexy food. If you can find them fresh, halve them, add a dollop of mascarpone, drizzle with honey and pop ‘em under the broiler for two minutes. Dried calimyrna are nice sliced and served with an aged chevre.
Oysters - Some oysters repeatedly change their sex from male to female and back, giving rise to claims that the oyster lets one experience the masculine and feminine sides of love. I don’t know about that but they are damn good. Try them fresh shucked with a pernod-infused mignonette or in a beignet (thanks to Dr. Seuss for that one).
Mamajuana - this Caribbean drink is made by allowing rum, red wine and honey to soak in a bottle with tree bark and herbs. Dominican Republic men claim that the drink has similar effects to Viagra (in Roatan, Honduras, they say “Got Wood?”). Women have also claimed that Mamajuana enhances sexual desire. You’re on your own with this one!!
Gourmet Sleuth has a great history of aphrodisiac foods and a nice list of alluring aphrodisiacs to boot. Pick your favorites, serve them up and don’t blame me if you have to call in “love sick” on Monday!!
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