The ancient Greeks made a number of associations between carnal pleasures; they enumerated a number of foods with sensual qualities.  In modern times, despite the clichéd imagery invoked in recalling the “romantic candle-light dinner for two,” the strong parallels between the pleasures of eating and the pleasures of sexual intimacy suggest that this classic date will never be antiquated.

In The Kitchen is offering a Valentine’s Date Night cooking class in which we will prepare a selection of dished featuring ingredients that are classic aphrodisiacs- a perfect way to share time cooking and eating with your sweetheart. www.wendyvanwagner.com

Some foods that are supposedly aphrodisiacs include:

Avocado
The Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl which translated means “testicle tree”. The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male’s testicles.  This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture.   Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

Chocolate

The Aztecs referred to chocolate “nourishment of the Gods”. Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine.  The secret for passion is to combine the two.

Fennel
In the 1930′s fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens.  Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as “libido enhancement”.

Figs
An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant.  A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!

Honey
Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence.  Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey.  Lovers on their “Honeymoon” drank mead and it was thought to s “sweeten” the marriage.

Pine Nuts
Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc.   Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.

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