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take home chef
Take Home Chef

Using natural aphrodisiacs in your recipes will help set the mood for any intimate dinner party.  Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or any other special event, try these recipes by Curtis for a savory soiree.

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Chilies
Chilies, curries, and other spicy foods have long been viewed as aphrodisiacs because of their physiological effects. 

Brazilian Style Chicken with Okra
Curried Shrimp with Snowpeas
Oven Roasted Lamb Raan
Pan Fried Swordfish with Flaked Chilies and Caramelized Fennel

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Champagne 
Often considered the "drink of love".  Moderate quantities lower inhibitions and can cause a warm glow on the skin. 

Champagne Poached Strawberries with Mascarpone
Mango and Champagne Granita
Peach and Champagne Granita
Watermelon, Champagne and Fresh Oranges

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Chocolate
The Aztecs referred to chocolate as "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain.

Chocolate Boxes filled with Chocolate Creme and Raspberries

Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate Mousse with Mascarpone Crème Brûlée 
Molten Chocolate and Espresso Fondants

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Honey
Folklore says that newly wed couples would drink mead (a fermented drink made from honey) on their "honeymoon" as it was believed to "sweeten" the marriage.

Baked Ricotta with Strawberries and Honey
Baklava
Ripe Mango with Chili, Lime Zest and Honey 
Roast Loin of Pork, Honey Glazed Carrots and Apple Compote

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Oysters
Because Aphrodite was said to be born from the sea, many types of seafood have reputations as aphrodisiacs. Besides oysters, other shellfish, like mussels, are also on the list.

Deep Fried Oysters with Ponzu Dipping Sauce 
Mussels and Snapper Steamed in Coconut Milk with Chili and Lemon Grass 
Mussels Steamed in White Wine and Thyme
Oysters with Beluga Caviar
Oysters with Ponzu and Home Pickled Ginger

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Pine Nuts
Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.   Pine nuts have been used for centuries to make up love potions.

Saffron Rice with Carrot, Raisins and Pine Nuts

Artichokes Filled with Pork, Mint, and Pine Nuts 
Fresh Linguine with Garlic Shrimp and Homemade Pesto

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Truffles
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac.  The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

Pot-Au-Feu of Lobster, Scallops with Foie Gras and Black Truffles
 
Soup of Green Lentils and Tuscan Cabbage with Sage and Truffle Oil 
America's Greatest Gourmet Burger

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Vanilla
The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. 

Apple and Vanilla Spring Rolls

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Slowly Cooked Tapioca with Vanilla and Bananas in Dark Rum 
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Cherry Consommé

   

Next > Return to the TLC Love Guide


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