Valentine's Day Aphrodisiacs
A guide to 12 lust-inducing ingredients, plus a recipe for each
From Pliny the Elder to Casanova, food has long been haloed and hailed as the ultimate portal to venery, a lovely word that has undeservedly fallen into disuse. Oysters, rose petals, chocolate, chile peppers, licorice, star anise-there is no shortage of ingredients reputed over the centuries to stir ardor. So is there any truth to these claims?
Nope. Not if you listen to the FDA, anyway, which in 1989 turned a cold shower on the whole idea of aphrodisiacs, thus dismissing 5,000 years of such truffling as pure folklore. But who needs science? Folklore is way more fun.
There is not a lot of literature on the subject of aphrodisiac cooking. The best-known work on the subject, Venus in the Kitchen: Recipes for Seduction, edited by Norman Douglas, was first published in 1952. It is a truly strange book, containing such gems as Hare Croquettes, Pie of Bulls' Testicles, Eels à la del Sbugo, and last but not least, skink (a type of lizard). Douglas offers no commentary on any of the aforementioned.
Considerably more approachable is Amy Reiley's book Fork Me, Spoon Me: The Sensual Cookbook. Reiley, who produces a newsletter called "Aphrodisiac of the Month" and the Web site www.lifeofreiley.com, has divided the book into categories identical to The Joy of Sex (the book was designed by Deborah Daly, who also designed the original Joy). Part cooking manual and part sensual self-help, Fork Me, Spoon Me focuses on what she considers the 12 most potent aphrodisiacs. Below are the winners and a collection of recipes for each one.
Chile Peppers
Their heat releases endorphins, the primary pleasure enzyme.
Recipe: Pan-Roasted Sizzling Shrimp
Peaches
This mouthwatering fruit is rich in potassium and vitamins A and C and contains iron-all "noted nutrients for improving horizontal salsa."
Recipe: Duck Breast with Roasted Peaches and Walnut-Parsley Fried Rice
Mint
Breath-sweetening mint is also known "for increasing appetites of all kinds."
Recipe: Arugula and Mint Salad with Oil-Cured Black Olives, Oranges, and Ricotta Salata
Ginger
Whether raw, pickled, or candied, this root is said to increase sensitivity in the erogenous zones.
Recipe: Ginger Champagne Cocktail
Honey
The "Nectar of Aphrodite" (and the root of the word "honeymoon"), honey boosts energy, according to Reiley.
Recipe: Wildflower-Honey Semifreddo with Honey Sesame Wafers
Chocolate
Reiley recommends nibbling on dark chocolate for a "serotonin boost" and a modest amount of caffeine.
Recipe: Dark Chocolate Souffles with Cardamom Crème Anglaise
Mangoes
"The muse of poets and philosophers since the beginning of recorded time, mangoes are prescribed in India to increase male libido," says Reiley.
Recipe: Mango Tart with Coconut Crust
Saffron
The rare and expensive spice has been used throughout history in rituals of beauty and love, according to Reiley.
Recipe: Striped Bass with Saffron Vegetables and Spiced Broccoli Rabe
Almonds
"These protein-rich morsels are outstanding in helping sustain stamina" and their blossoms are "an international symbol of fertility."
Recipe: Almond Praline Ice-Cream Cake
Rosemary
With its invigorating aroma and flavor, "rosemary could easily be called one of the kitchen's most sensual foods."
Recipe: Rosemary Lamb Chops with Swiss Chard and Balsamic Syrup
Vanilla
The scent of this podlike fruit of an orchid is said to arouse both men and women.
Recipe: Vanilla Bean Flan
Figs
When cut open, this fruit is said to resemble a certain female body part. It is also rich in energy-boosting iron.
Recipe: Fig and Walnut Tapenade with Goat Cheese
By Martin Booe
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