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LOVE BITES RECIPES: COOKING WITH APHRODISIACS
- Shari Stern, Contributing Writer
In Shari's latest blog, Cooking with Aphrodisiacs, she talks about how becoming a parent and raising a family can often times get in the way of romance. Deliciously playful meals from your early days as a couple turn into quick and comfortable foods that fill your belly and cut down on prep time. Shari goes back to her days of Love Bites cooking classes and shares with us a few of her favorite aphrodisiac recipes.
Love Me Tender Asparagus
3/4 pound asparagus, cleaned
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup +2 T extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons crushed tomatoes
8 leaves fresh basil + 2 for garnish
salt and fresh ground black pepper to tast
1. Cut bottom 1/3 off asparagus (or where asparagus becomes “woody”) and discard.
2. Puree pine nuts, olive oil, basil, and tomatoes in blender until smooth and creamy.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in medium fry over medium heat. When hot, add asparagus. Sautee until tender (use fork to test—about 6 minutes), turning asparagus to heat evenly. Add salt and pepper when almost done.
4. Fan asparagus on serving plate. Drizzle over asparagus (can use squirt bottle). Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Serves 2
2004 Regular Gal Cooks!
Oh Baby!
(Greens)
Citrus scents and flavors are invigorating to the senses. The cocoa nibs have a roasted, chocolate flavor without the sweetness but with all the aphrodisiac properties. Arugula was a popular aphrodisiac in Europe, and Maiche is now the new, hip, sophisticated lettuce.
Juice of 3 oranges (or about ¾ cup fresh OJ)
Juice of 1 lime
3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed and minced
½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
¼ teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons Scharffen Berger’s Cocoa Nibs
Whisk above in bowl. Allow to sit in refrigerator for 5-10 minutes.
Note: if you don’t like the “bite” of the nibs, strain.
Toss into baby greens (maiche, baby romaine, arugula, spinach, etc)
Makes 1 cup citrus vinaigrette
2005 Regular Gal Cooks!
Love Bites:
Citrus has awakening properties.
Cocoa nibs (available at Whole Foods Market and specialty stores) are the roasted “nut” from which we get chocolate. Chocolate releases “feel good” endorphins which can help people feel relaxed, confident, and good.
Garlic is an aphrodisiac as long as both parties eat it.
Luscious Honey Lavender Goat Cheese
Try this to stimulate the senses….
4-6 oz. soft, rindless goat cheese (Bellay Coupe or Chevrie is good)
2/3 cup honey
3 tablespoons Luscious Lavender
2 tablespoons almonds
2 bosc pears, sliced
1. Toast the almonds in oven at 250 degrees (toaster oven is suggested) for about 5-10 minutes stirring occasionally to distribute heat, or until they just start to lightly darken.
2. In a double broiler, heat the water until boiling, then reduce heat to medium low. Add honey then the lavender, stirring frequently for 10 minutes.
3. Arrange cheese in center of serving plate. Pour honey over cheese, then sprinkle with almonds.
4. Enjoy spread over slices of bosc pears.
Love Bites:
- Honey is a good source of quick energy and was prescribed for sexual vigor.
- Lavender is used for relaxation in aromatherapy. Just think of the effect it will have once it is ingested.
2004 Regular Gal Cooks!
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