Romance – with just a few days before Valentine’s Day I thought I would dole out a few tips to make your life more romantic…and easy! First, grab some aphrodisiac ingredients. This list is from Amy Reiley’s new cookbook, Fork Me, Spoon Me: the sensual cookbook.
TOP 12 APHRODISIAC FOODS
1. CHILE PEPPERS – Indulge in the one slow burn that hurts so good. While lips swell and tongues tingle, the chili heat sets to work releasing endorphins, the primary pleasure enzyme.
2. PEACHES – Thought by the ancient Chinese to hold magical properties, peaches are rich in potassium, iron, vitamins a and c, all noted nutrients for improving horizontal salsa.
3. MINT – Noted for increasing appetites of all kinds, mint is the perfect herb to sweeten a meal, for not only does it increase flavor but it also sweetens breath.
4. GINGER – Although it is commonly used to aid digestion, served pickled, candied or in the raw, ginger increases sensitivity in the erogenous zones.
5. HONEY – A sweet decadence colored the hue of royalty and wealth, golden honey is energy-boosting syrup. The Nectar of Aphrodite, this all-natural sweetener is at the root of the term “honeymoon.”
6. CHOCOLATE – The aphrodisiac properties of chocolate are many. Sip creamy hot chocolate for its modest caffeine charge or nibble on a dark morsel for its serotonin boost.
7. MANGOES – The muse of poets and philosophers since the beginning of recorded time, mangoes are prescribed in India to increase male libido.
8. SAFFRON – The most rare and exotic of all herbs, saffron has been used throughout history in rituals of beauty and love.
9. ALMONDS – The almond blossom is considered an international symbol of fertility. Removed from their shell, these protein-rich morsels are outstanding in helping sustain stamina.
10. ROSEMARY – With flavors and aromas dubbed “envigorating” in the naturopathic world, rosemary could easily be called one of the kitchens most sensual foods.
11. VANILLA – With a scent found to be arousing to both men and women, vanilla is equally effective on both sexes.
12. FIGS – Spilt down the center and cradled in the palm, the fig is said to resemble the female genitalia. Rich in iron, figs are welcome additions to any summer feast.
If you’re too lazy to cook: …and you live somewhere in Vancouver’s Lower Mainland, you might want to check out Whole Foods in West Vancouver. Marketing Manager Vari Cuthbert gave me a great tour this week and showed me many of the oven-ready Valentine’s Day dishes they’ve prepared, or you can even order a complete take-out brunch or dinner which will leave both of you completely satisfied.
Check out my podcast later this week to listen to my full interview with Amy Reiley, my tour of Whole Foods with Vari Cuthbert, and some tips from the executive chef at Joe Fortes, Scott Pratico.
