11 Feb Get your Lover in the Mood for Loving this Valentines with my Top 10 Aphrodisiacs

Dipping, sharing food and feeding each other are very intimate gestures. Why not take the opportunity to create an eating experience to bond with your lover this Valentines day?

The food you consume on a daily basis influences your body functions it can affect your hormones your brain, your sex drive, your stress and energy levels. Food can get you in the mood and get the blood to flowing to your most intimate parts.

Here’s my top 10 Aphrodisiac foods

1)     Oysters – are the food that most people associate with as an aphrodisiac, they are said to increase sexual desire. They have a high zinc content which increases libido and helps produce sperm.  They are best served chilled with a squeeze of lemon, and a cheeky glass of champagne on the side.

2)     Bananas – aside from the obvious phallic shape, they contain enzymes which enhance the male libido. Bananas are high in zinc and potassium and release energy slowly, which is perfect for a long night of loving!

3)     Strawberries – are said to contain most vitamin C out of the berry family. They also contain potassium, folic acid and iron, meaning they can boost a flagging libido by providing essential minerals and vitamins needed to supply energy.

4)     Chocolate – is probably the most frequently enjoyed aphrodisiac it contains the feel good chemical anandamide the phenylethylamine known as the ‘love chemical’ which releases dopamine in the brain in the pleasure centres and these peak during orgasm. Chocolate also has ingredients that facilitate relaxation

5)     Salmon – is a natural aphrodisiac like most seafood. Recently the salmon fish has been labeled the core of sexual powerhouse. It’s high protein count means it’s great for stamina and the omega 3’s increase serotonin levels, which in turn enhances mood. It also contains vitamins A, B and D which all enhance libido.

6)     Asparagus –  It is documented that and English Herbalist from the 17^th Century said of asparagus that it ‘stirs up lust between a man and a woman’ Asparagus is a great source of potassium, thiamine, and most importantly folic acid, which is said to boost histamine production which is necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both men and women.

7)     Avocado –  The avocado has been known since Aztec times as the testicle tree due to its shape and the fact it hung in pairs. Just by looking at the shape of avocado, you will see the reason why it was associated with sexuality. Avocados, like bananas are rich with folic acid, vitamin B6 and potassium.

8)     Basil – has as well as being a popular herb to add to a variety of dishes has a lot of beneficial effects on human body. The sweet aroma of basil is said to have a stimulating aphrodisiac effect.

9)     Chilli – This spice has an exotic reputation and it’s red colour, could be why it’s considered a symbol of love. Chilli peppers stimulate endorphins, speed up heart rate and make you sweat, which mimic the physiological signs of being aroused.

10)   Garlic – I know what you’re thinking however it increases blood flow. Need I say more ladies? As long as you both eat it neither of you will smell it!

This main dish is my own recipe and naturally it packs in quite a few aphrodisiacs. If you fancy cooking something special this Valentines day why not give it a whirl.

Starter: Arousing asparagus spears, griddled..

…wrapped with parma ham, topped with a poached egg and a sprinkling of sea salt and black pepper.

Main course: Too hot too spicy, chilli and garlic prawn pasta

12 raw King prawns per person

1 lime

Grated parmesan

Cherry tomatoes halved

Rocket

1 Chilli

Rose Harisa Spices (I use Belazu jar already mixed from Sainsburys)

2 cloves large garlic (4 of small)

Wholewheat pasta spirals (or whatever your preference is)

6 Shallots

Steps:

1)     Boil the pasta and cook.

2)     Chop the shallots and chill and fry until the onions are cooked

3)     Add the prawns

4)     Once the prawns are cooked add chopped garlic and remove from the heat

5)     Add the mixture to the pasta along with the Harisa spices mixed with a tea spoon of olive oil or a teaspoon of the pre mixed spice from a jar

6)     Squeeze in half a lime

7)     Add the baby tomatoes and rocket and mix

8)     Serve and sprinkle with parmesan and add a quarter piece of the remaining lime for garnish

Dessert: Mixed fruit with sexy chocolate dip

Strawberry, banana, kiwi fruit, passion fruit (whatever your pleasure is) chopped into manageable bite size chunks. It’s super simple either buy melting chocolate or melt your favourite bar. The best way to melt chocolate is in a pyrex glass bowl over a pan of boiling water.

This quick easy sharing dessert will get you both in the mood for some steamy bedroom fun! Who knows you may not even make it to the bedroom chocolate may get everywhere 😉

There are plenty of recipes online if you want to go the whole hog and cook a full meal however if you just want quick and easy snacks to share here are some ideas…

Aphrodisiac Finger food to share –

1)     Oysters fresh and straight from the shell with a squeeze of lemon

2)     Strawberry and banana pieces and skewers to dip in melted chocolate

3)     Spread cream cheese on sliced smoked salmon, then wrap around asparagus pieces and squeeze on a few drops of lemon and some cracked pepper

4)     Avocado, basil and cherry tomato’s on sticks drizzled with chilli olive oil with sea salt and cracked pepper

5)     Bruscheta – sliced French Bread with olive oil, chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, sea salt and pepper

So have fun this Valentines and make sure you both get in the mood for food, because that’s where all the fun starts 😉