Food of Love!

[nancya]

Hi, I'm starting to think early this year about Valentine's Day! How about some special recipes for your loved one????

All's fair. What is the special appetizer that sets the mood? The ultimate main course? Of course, dessert.

Ideas! I need ideas!!!

[cape chef]

I wish I could remember last years thread on "V" day, It was a very well thought out thread

For me, I keep things simple nancy as to not take away from the meaning of the evening.

I share fresh shucked oysters with only a grating od horseradish root...Ofcourse we feed eachother these tiny little mollusks.

a few glasses of sancerre intermingle perfectly with the sweet/briner/spicy flavors.

Then, For our "Entree"Simply a seasoned, charred blood rare prime porterhouse steak with "roasted" garlic bread (No bad breath)

But for dessert I get alittle funky, I hope this is not over the edge but I make a shaffenberger chocolate fondue, with vanilla scented pound cake and cherries. Only Champange will we drink with the fondue, Just something else to elevate your sences

[nancya]

Oh, my, Brad. My. Oh, my. Goodness.

Wow.

[Anneke]

Somehow I just knew that Dr. Love would be the first one to answer that thread.

You go Brad !!

[cape chef]

"Dr Love"

This is perfect because of a band that sang a song called "Dr Love" a number of years ago was called"KISS"

[Anneke]

Funny, I was hearing some Barry White just now...

What do we have here dear collegue?

St Valentine one month earlier?

Is this a Capricorn thing? What the star gazer says about this?

Nancy don't leave those things in luck. " Chance favours the prepared mind"
What shall we feed Nancy's Valentine Athenaeus?

[Athenaeus]

Seriously Bond.

Can you imagine ME having to do anything with this mushy day? Even astrologically speaking.

Dr Love, my foot...
Athenaeus is focused on History of Food lately and not on stars...

But for that cute night ,I strongly suggest Souvlaki with tzatziki in front of the fireplace hearing to Tom Wait's mourns.
Or beers and cheese burgers watching TV.

Come on guys! Do something original. Don't be predictable with this champagne and chocolate thing...

[nancya]

Oh, mon est cher Athenaeus. Est-ce que vous ne savez pas que ce chocolat soit la langue d'amour?

Chocolate and Champagne may not be completely unusual....but sometimes the classic is the best!

I do not, however, care for oysters. Even though Brad is a pearl beyond price!

And yes, Mr. Bond, I believe in being prepared. Planned spontantenaity!!!

By the way, for love songs I happen to enjoy Michael Tomlinson.

[Isa]

Just for you Nancy!

[nancya]

Isabelle, my dear.....

Surely there is something specific you'd recommend?

[Athenaeus]

Ok I posted to the Robert Burns thread but it's most appropriate for you Nancy!
Robert Burns it's classical and original I think ( for the States at least )

It's not food but it's food for sentiments. I wouldn't suggest to escort this poem with tzatziki


O, my luve is like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June.
O, my luve is like the melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I,
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi the sun!
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only luve!
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my luve,
Tho it were ten thousand mile!

[Jim]

I seem to recall last years' thread discussing the food from the movie, Like water for Chocolate. To answer your post, however, last year we feasted on:

Pre-meal 'milkshakes' of chambord, cream and rasberry sorbet
Crab chowda' with a smackerel of salmon caviar
Boston-lettuce salad with chevre croutons, strwberry v'gette
Broiled salmon 'hearts' with champagne-poached asparagus, lobster risotto
Jim's famous chocolate-peanut butter & jelly souffle
Gruet Sparkling Wine (from New Mexico... trust me, if you can find it buy it!!! The Blance de Noir is tops!)

[Isa]

Since you asked so nicely Nancy, I have to reply. First a list of food that are said to be aphrodisiac.

Aniseed
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases your desire.

Asparagus
Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience.

Almond
Associated with passion and fertility, their aroma is alleged to excite women and is therefore a common ingredient in creams and soaps. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.

Arugula
Arugula or "rocket" seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs, parsnip. The added to pine nuts and pistacios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.

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.

Bananas
As well as an erotic shape the banana has also been associated with erotic energy in the tantric tradition. Bananas are also rich in B vitamins believed to help manufacture sex hormones.

Basil (sweet basil)
Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

Chocolate
One of the undisputed kings of aphrodisiacs, the Indians called it the "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine.

Carrots
The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times, and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. They have a high vitamin content and a great source of beta- carotene. In Asia carrots are eaten as a substitute for ginseng and we all now they make us see better in the dark!

Coffee
We all know how powerfully enlivening roasted coffee beans are so stimulate your body and mind and wake up and get going for a sex marathon.

Coriander (Cilantro seed)
The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.

Figs
This erotic, fleshy fruit is said to act as a powerful sexual stimulant and has been thought of for centuries as a symbol of fertility and love. Also it is no coincidence that the fig leaf has been used to cover the genitals of those embarrassed by their nakedness.

Garlic
Garlic has a great history of being a great healing aid, which at the same time acts as a stimulant. The Romans dedicated it to Ceres, The goddess of fertility and the witches have used it in their love potions for centuries.

Ginger
The root contains an essential oil, which enlivens and stimulates the body and mind, so add some to your curry and get spiced up.

Honey
If you're making your lover an aphrodisiac drink, honey is crucial. It is said to have many healing properties, including guarding against sterility and impotence. It also stimulates and strengthens, so don't resist your sweet tooth.

Liquorice
Said to be an aphrodisiac that stimulates women in particular.

Mustard
Believed to have a powerful effect on the sexual glands, to be stimulating and to increase sexual desire.

Nutmeg
Its not really a nut but a seed and has been one of the most popular seasonings since the 16th century. So sprinkle some over your food now and wait for the stimulating results.

Oysters
Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.

Pine Nuts
Many nuts are rich in zinc, a lack of which is said to cause impotence and infertility in men so get eating your nuts today. Pine nuts especially have been used for centuries to make up love potions an effective and powerful aphrodisiac.

Pineapple
Rich in vitamin C and minerals, it is considered highly powerful for potency when soaked in rum and honey, Caribbean style.

Raspberry & Strawberries
Both raspberries and strawberries, combined with Champagne are regarded as powerful aphrodisiacs. Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples.

Truffles
These mushrooms are the rarest and most sensual of fungi they both stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

Vanilla
The scent and flavour of vanilla is said to increase lust, especially when eaten with chocolate, it is said to be stimulating and energy giving. Homeopathic doctors prescribe vanilla as a cure for impotence. We love combining Vanilla pods with champagne: pop a bit of one into a glass of your favourite bubbly.

Wine
Along with all the other forms of alcohol, wine is very intoxicating and relaxing. It is often used for ritual purposes to experience ecstasy and has been said to be the most powerful aphrodisiac. A moderate amount of wine has been said to "arouse erections" but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

[Isa]

Before I post recipes, I should tell you nancy that I haven't tried them.

To start your meal:

Love Snails

2 medium-sized tomatoes
1 green bell pepper
30 grams celery
50 grams butter
2 garlic cloves
0.2 grams saffron
thyme and sage
salt

Remove the skin and seeds from the tomatoes Remove the seeds from one green bell pepper.

Chop the tomatoes and the bell pepper, together with a piece of celery, coarsely, using a food processor for 5 seconds.

Melt the butter, add two pressed garlic cloves, saffron and generous pinches of thyme, sage and salt to the melted butter. Let stand for a few minutes, then add the chopped vegetables.

Place 24-48 snails (depending on size) in special snail porcelain ramekins with handles or simply in two individual gratin dishes and cover with the butter-vegetable mixture.

Cook in the preheated 500°F for 10 minutes or until the vegetables begin to turn slightly brownish. Serve together with a baguette type bread and a glass of Chablis.


Pine Nut Soup

100 g pine nuts
3 egg yolks
250 ml chicken broth
250 ml cream

Purée a mixture of the pine nuts and the egg yolks in the food processor until you have a fine, smooth paste.

Transfer to a saucepan, add one cup of chicken broth and one cup of cream. The chicken stock can be added already at the food processor stage if you have difficulties in obtaining a smooth paste.

Heat over a gentle fire under constant stirring until the mixture thickens. It must not be brought to a boil. Serve immediately.

If desired, the aphrodisiac properties can be reinforced by suitable spices such as saffron or cayenne pepper.



Since a meal without bread is like a day without sunshine, how about this bread:


Aphrodisiac Bread

1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup warm water
2 pinches parsley
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon garlic minced

In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast into water & dissolve. Add the rest of the ingredients in order & beat well.

On a floured surface, knead dough lightly for 5 minutes. Form into a round bread & set aside until its has doubled. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 45 minutes till light brown.