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VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER 2020     

Caviar topped Oysters

Zinc, found in Caviar and Oysters, stimulates the formation of testosterone, helps to produce sperm and increases libido. Oysters also resemble the "female" genitals, are very nutritious and high in protein.

Love Apple Soup

Tomatoes are often referred to as the "apple of love," due to the texture of the fruit and their acids which stimulate blood flow to the lips and mouth. Research shows they can enhance sexual performance and improve muscle control.

Foie Gras

Foie Gras contains high amounts of zinc and iron, which increase nerve sensitivity and blood circulation to intensify orgasms. Its mythical status may signal to our brain that the person offering it can take care of us, so we want to mate.

Avocado and Rocket Salad with Toasted Almonds Coriander & Pomegranate Dressing

Aztecs called the avocado ahuacuatl, or "testicle tree"; the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled testicles. Catholic priests found it obscenely sexual and forbade it. It is rich with folic acid, vitamin B6 and potassium, which boost the immune system. Rocket has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. Throughout antiquity, almonds were regarded as fertility symbols and the aroma of almond is said to arouse passion in females. 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, which is also known as an "appetite" stimulant. The pomegranate passion comes from antioxidants, which protect the lining of blood vessels, increasing blood flow, resulting in increased genital sensitivity.

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Roasted Salmon with a Spicy Ginger Pesto Crust (ginger; basil; pine nuts; garlic; chilli)

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which keep sex-hormone production at its peak. Ginger is a circulatory system stimulant that increases sexual powers and desire. Basil boosts circulation, which has an aphrodisiac effect in stimulating sex drive and increasing fertility. The scent is said to drive men wild (women would dust their breasts with dried, powdered basil). Garlic is full of allicin, which increases blood flow. The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desire. Pine nuts are rich in zinc and have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Capsaicin, found in chillies, increases circulation to get blood pumping, stimulating nerve endings so you'll feel more turned on.

Sautéed Asparagus, Fennel & Celery

Asparagus is a key source of potassium, fibre, vitamins B6, A and C, thiamin and folic acid. The latter is said to boost histamine, necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes. Culpepper wrote, “asparagus stirs up lust in man and woman" and in 19thC France bridegrooms were served three courses of it at their prenuptial dinners. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect". Fennel is a source of natural plant estrogens and its use as a "libido enhancement" dates back to Egyptian times. Celery contains androsterone, a hormone that it is believed to attract females when secreted through sweat.

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Caramelised Bananas & Pineapple with Nutmeg, Vanilla & Honey

Its sexual shape is obvious, but the banana is loaded with potassium, magnesium and B vitamins, chelating minerals and the bromeliad enzyme, which enhance the male libido aiding sex hormone production. They also provide instant, long-lasting energy – giving staying power and regulating blood pressure, which can help with erectile disfunction. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and is used in homeopathic treatment for impotence. Vanilla mildly stimulates nerves, giving heightened sexual sensation. The scent and flavour is believed to increase lust. Myth has it that the daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess unable to marry due to her divine nature, transformed herself into a plant to provide pleasure and happiness. Honey is a great source of the mineral boron, that helps the body use and metabolise oestrogen. It also contains B vitamins, good for testosterone. In Egyptian times honey was used to cure sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, and honeymooners drank mead to "sweeten" the marriage. Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac, which can produce a hallucinogenic effect.

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Baked Figs Stuffed with Dark Chocolate

An open fig is believed to emulate the female sex organs; they are reported to be Cleopatra’s favourite fruit. Ancient Greeks thought them sacred, associated with love and fertility. Chocolate is the king of natural aphrodisiacs, containing anandamide, the psycho-active feel-good chemical, and PEA (phenylethylamine), the "love chemical," which releases dopamine in the pleasure centres of the brain, peaking during orgasm. PEA is said to help induce feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria. Cacao also contains tryptophan, a key component of serotonin, which promotes well-being and relaxation, with cumin and cinnamon.

LINDA'S WINE - MULLING IT OVER

If the Met Office predictions for the weather this winter are to be believed, we are likely to experience some harsh conditions over the next few months. Time to stay indoors if at all possible, wrap up warmly, and get the mulled wine, cider or a hot toddy on the go to keep the cold at bay.

As I wrap my hands around the warm glass, just the spicy smell of the nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger is inherently uplifting and comforting. One sip and I can feel that warm glow spreading. Mulled wine and other hot alcoholic beverages have been around for centuries, but exact quantities are hard to come by; we all have different tastes.
Personally, I tend not to add a lot of sugar to mine and like to add a citrusy element with orange or lemon.

Visitors to the famous German Christmas markets will be familiar with glühwein, while in Scandinavia their version, glögg, has almonds and raisins added, along with vodka or other spirit, making it more potent. When entertaining at home, mulled wine provides an inexpensive way to please a crowd and there are plenty of commercial brands readily available.

In a recent taste test conducted by the Good Housekeeping team these came out top:

Morrisons Mulled Wine, (10%abv.) £3.75
This has a real festive flavour and a deep, vibrant colour with a fruity, spicy aroma.
Hints of cinnamon, ginger and citrus give a sweet smooth drink with a warming but balanced kick of alcohol.

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Mulled Wine, (11%abv.) £6
This has a deep, dark raspberry hue, and a gently spiced cinnamon and clove aroma. The subtle sweetness is pleasant, but the sharp kick of alcohol can taste slightly bitter to some. 

M&S Red Mulled Wine, (12.5%abv.) £4
A full-bodied wine, suitable for vegans, with a sweet, smooth finish and an aroma of zesty oranges and berry fruits with a hint of apple.

Most shop bought mulled wines are relatively low in alcohol when compared with many red wines on the market but can easily be perked up by the addition of your favourite spice or spirit and making your own is really very simple. When heating the wine, do not allow it to boil, as that would destroy
the alcohol. Mix and match other ingredients (spices etc.) according to your own taste.
Try to use whole spices rather than the powdered versions, which can give a musty taste. Some people like to use brown sugar or honey as an added sweetening element, but these can tend to dominate; I use caster sugar. If adding any kind of spirit for that alcoholic boost, brandy is my first choice, but dark rum, cherry brandy or an orange liqueur flavoured can be just as good.

Article as seen in Somerset Living Magazine, pg 70 - February 2020