Aphrodisiacs are special and essential tools that are rarely used. Many people don’t realize what exactly and aphrodisiac is. Most significantly, many don’t realize how some of their favorite items are aphrodisiacs. An aphrodisiac is an item that simply help with libido when it is consumed. Basically, in more elementary terms, it makes you horny and ready for sex. According to Dr. Charlotte E. Grayson: “One category of foods that were thought to be aphrodisiacs are foods that resemble genitalia. Eggs and caviar may come to mind, as well as asparagus, celery, and onions. Clams and oysters also lay claim to aphrodisiac qualities because of their shape and texture. Oysters, in fact, are high in zinc and is a nutrient that was lacking in people's diets at one time; eating them could improve a nutritionally deficient diet, thus improving a person's overall health and increasing his or her sex drive.” What thing that I can appreciate is spicy foods. I love spicy food. I mean I love food that’s so spicy it makes my lips numb, eyes water, makes me cough, and/or makes my nose start to run. Yea, some of you will think I’m crazy. Those who love spicy foods like me, I’m sure will be able to relate. Actually, spicy foods are also an aphrodisiac because the pepper or ingredients that makes the food spicy, works as a stimulant. Through research, I came across 15 foods that was proven by researchers to spark romance. Some of these aphrodisiacs you may already know about and some you may find out about for the first time. These aphrodisiacs are:
· Oysters – they are high in zinc and contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones
· Chili Peppers - Chili peppers stimulate endorphins, speeds up heart rate and make you sweat, which all mimic how you feel when you're aroused
· Avodado - the fruit's high levels of vitamin E helps to keep the spark going because it provides a youthful feeling and levels of energy
· Chocolate – causes a spike in dopamine which causes feelings of pleasure
· Bananas – contains bromelain, which triggers testosterone production; the potassium and vitamin E in bananas elevate energy levels
· Honey – contains boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural energy boost
· Coffee – caffeine is a stimulant that increases heart rate and makes the blood flow
· Watermelon - relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation
· Pine Nuts – high in zinc which provides high levels of energy
· Arugula – with minerals and antioxidants it blocks contaminates that could hurt one’s libido
· Olive Oil - a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are critical for a healthy heart, blood flow and hormone production
· Figs - full of potassium and is an antioxidant powerhouse; this helps with sex drive and fertility
· Strawberries – helps keep blood flowing throughout the body
· Artichokes – contains vitamins and antioxidants that are important to body function and blood flow
· Chai Tea – the ginger, clove, and cinnamon will get the blood flowing; with little caffeine in it, one will be able to sleep peacefully after their sexual encounter
Now in case you are feeling adventurous and in the mood to try something different or you just want to really set the mood, I came across some interesting aphrodisiac recipes that you’d sure to not regret trying.
Strawberry & Peta Salad
1 cub silvered almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 head romaine lettuce, torn
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
· In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the almonds, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside.
· In a bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, raspberry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
· In a large bowl, toss together the toasted almonds, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and feta cheese. Cover with the dressing mixture, and toss to serve.
Death by Chocolate
1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping thawed
3 (1.4 ounce) bars chocolate covered English toffee
· Prepare brownies according to package directions. Let cool.
· Mix pudding according to package directions.
· In a glass punch bowl, layer in the following order: 1/2 of the brownie, crumbled; 1/2 of the pudding; 1 toffee bar, crushed; 1/2 of the whipped topping.
· Repeat layers in the same order. Save the last toffee bar to crumble and sprinkle on top before serving.
· Refrigerate. Best if made the day before you serve it.
Oysters Kilpatrick
3 bacon rashers, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 tbsp double cream
12 oysters, ask your fishmonger to open them for you
Lemon wedges, to serve
· Heat a frying pan and add the bacon. Fry gently in its own fat until browned, then add the breadcrumbs and brown them briefly.
· Mix the Worcestershire sauce with the cream and divide it between the oysters, season well and then top each with some of the bacon and breadcrumb mixture. Grill until brown and crisp and serve with lemon wedges.
Zesty Strawberries with Cointreau
500g strawberries, hulled halved or quartered, depending on size
3 tbsp Cointreau
Zest 1 orange
4 tbsp icing sugar
Mint leaves, roughly torn, to serve
· Tip the strawberries into a large bowl. Splash over the Cointreau, add the orange zest and sift in the icing sugar, then give everything a really good mix. Cover, then leave for 1 hr or more for the juices to become syrupy and the strawberries to soak up some of the alcohol.
· To serve, scatter the mint leaves over the strawberries and give them one more good stir, then spoon into individual glass dishes.
Rose Syllabub & Sugared Strawberries
125ml rosé wine
50g golden caster sugar
Finely grated zest and juice 1 lime, plus extra lime zest to decorate
284ml carton double cream
700g strawberries
3 tbsp golden caster sugar
½ bottle rosé wine (375ml)
· For the syllabub, put the wine, sugar, lime zest and juice in a bowl and chill for 1 hr.
· About 45 mins before serving halve any big strawberries and keep the smaller ones whole. Scatter them in a bowl and sprinkle over the sugar. Let them sit for 30 mins to release their flavor some juices. Pour over the wine and leave for 10-15 mins.
· Half-whip the cream for the syllabub, then gradually pour in the chilled wine mix, continuing to beat as you go, until you have a softly whipped creamy mixture that holds its shape enough to be spoonable. Serve the strawberries and their boozy juice in bowls topped with a spoonful of syllabub, and scatter over a little lime zest.
Choco-Banana Bites
1 very ripe banana, cut into 1-inch chunks 118 ml dark chocolate
· Place banana chunks on and stick a toothpick down the center of each. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
· Fill the bottom of a double boiler pan with about 1 inch of water, place the top pan on and break the dark chocolate into it. Heat the water, stirring the chocolate until it's fully melted.
· Tilt the pan and pull all the chocolate to one side. Then, roll each frozen banana chunk in the chocolate.
· Place back on the waxed paper and return the banana chunks to the freezer until ready to eat.
Asparagus, Mozarella, & Prosciutto Parcels
16 asparagus spears, trimmed
125g ball mozzarella, sliced into 4
8-12 slices prosciutto
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
A small bunch basil, finely shredded
Salad leaves to serve
· Blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes then refresh under cold water. Cut each mozzarella slice in half and sit both pieces on top of 2 spears of asparagus. Top with 2 more spears then wrap the asparagus in prosciutto so the mozzarella is enclosed (you will need 2 or 3 strips).
· Heat a little olive oil in a pan, then carefully fry the parcels until the prosciutto has crisped and the mozzarella oozes.
· Whisk together the olive oil and vinegar and add the basil. Serve each parcel with salad leaves and a little dressing drizzled over.
"Many so-called aphrodisiac recipes are basically wholesome ingredients prepared in a tasty way. The receptivity to romance probably comes from the general sense of relaxation and well-being good food induces." ~Harry E. Wedeck
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