Food is awesome; a great meal can put you in the best of moods. It is no surprise that the “myth” of your libido rising with certain foods exist. Here’s some brief history: the word aphrodisiac comes from the Greek goddess of beauty and love Aphrodite. Aphrodisiacs come in many forms of not only food but different drugs that are made from special rare things around the world. One of the most well known is the Spanish fly. HerCampus UOttawa has provided you with a few recipes to inspire a “fun” night in for your V-day date. ;). Serve with red wine, an aphrodisiac to increase blood flow and help relax you and your date. Don’t drink too much, but then again, it is Friday.
Oysters Casino with Red Bell Peppers, Chili and Bacon
Your Fun ingredients:
Oysters: rich in a very rare amino acid that trigger increased levels of sex hormones. There is real science behind it read here to learn more!
Chili peppers: increases blood flow and gets the brain to release endorphins (AKA the feel good chemical). Outside of the body, chilies cause blushing and reddening of the lips increasing physical attraction and sexual desire.
Garlic: contains allicin, which increases blood flow, stamina and sexual energy. SIDE EFFECT: bad breathe.
Celery: increases androsterone and adrostenol, which are essential nutrients for great sex.
Ingredients:
4 strips bacon
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature2 cloves garlic, minced1/4 cup roughly chopped shallots1/4 cup roughly chopped red bell pepper1/4 cup roughly chopped celery2 sprigs fresh oregano, leaves picked2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked2 teaspoons lemon zest and juice1/4 teaspoon dried red chili flakesKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper1 dozen large (approximately 4 inches) West Coast oysters on the half shell1/4 bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Lay bacon out on a roasting pan in a single layer and bake for 10 minutes until just crispy
· Remember they will be going back into the oven with the oysters so you don’t want to finish the bacon just yet.
3. While the bacon is cooking, place the butter, garlic, shallots, bell pepper, celery, lemon zest and juice, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes in a food processor; pulse until well combined, but still has texture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
· If you are like me and don’t own a food processor, mix and press together fully combined
4. Remove bacon from oven and cut up into pieces. Lay oysters in their half shells out on a large roasting pan in a single layer (you can use rock salt or a sheet of crumpled foil to steady them).
5. Place 1 tablespoon of the casino butter mixture on top of each oyster and place a piece of bacon on each. Bake oysters in the hot oven until bubbly, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Finish with finely chopped, fresh flat-leaf parsley and serve.
Roasted Asparagus with Pine Nuts
Fun ingredients:
Asparagus: increases circulation in the Genitourinary system equaling increased sexual desire.
Pine nuts: loaded with Zinc, which is really important for your man ;)
Indredients:
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 1/2 pounds asparagus
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Spread pine nuts in a small baking pan and toast in the oven until golden and fragrant, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.
- Increase oven temperature to 450° F. Snap off the tough ends of asparagus. Toss the asparagus with shallot, oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet with sides. Roast, turning twice, until the asparagus is tender and browned, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring vinegar and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, swirling the pan occasionally, until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 tablespoon, about 5 minutes. To serve, toss the asparagus with the reduced vinegar and sprinkle with the pine nuts.
Cinnamon- Chocolate Fudge
This is delicious but most definitely a day-before-make dessert as prep time is slightly over 2 hours. The actual work itself isn’t two hours; however, most fudge has to sit and firm for a couple hours.
Fun ingredients:
Cinnamon: acts much like a chili pepper, warming up the body and sex drive.
Chocolate: contains both dopamine and phenyl ethylamine (this is the hormone released during sex). Dark chocolate gives you the best effects and is better for you too.
Vanilla: is a mild nerve stimulant, allowing you to feel more of your lover’s touches
Ingredients:
Butter, for greasing the pan1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract1 pound (about 2 cups) bittersweet (60 percent cacao) chocolate chips
– This is darker than normal chocolate chips
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperatureKosher or flake salt, optional
Directions:
1. Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Line the pan with a sheet of parchment paper, about 14-inches long and 7-inches wide, allowing the excess to overhang the sides. Set aside
2. In a medium glass or stainless steel bowl, combine the condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
3. Stir in the chocolate chips and butter. Put the bowl on a saucepan of barely simmering water and mix until the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 6 to 8 minutes (mixture will be thick).
4. Using a spatula, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with salt, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
5. Run a warm knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the fudge. Remove the fudge to a cutting board. Peel off the parchment paper and cut the fudge into 1-inch pieces. Store refrigerated in an airtight container or freeze.
For a great list of other food type aphrodisiacs read this fantastic blog!
Photo Credits:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/roasted-asparagus-recipe.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/cinnamon-chocolate-fudge-recipe.html