From Denny: Aphrodisiacs. Now there's a topic that gets people's attention! :) This is too funny and somehow just perfect for Mardi Gras, the day of excess. This video was originally for Valentine's Day but who cares? Fun and tasty, even tasteful stuff, all around. Enjoy this sexy, spicy dinner any time. You have to admit it's a lot of fun to think about creating a meal just chock full of aphrodisiacs and his-and-hers drinks. Well, the idea is certainly a lot sexier sophisticated than going down to the local drug store for a his-and-hers product enhancement jollies. Take a look, get a grin and actually some great recipes too!
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Lobster salad
From: Chef Gavin Kaysen from Cafe Boulud
Makes: 2 servings
The four aphrodisiacs featured in the salad:
Almond: A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. I knew there was a reason the combination of roasted almonds in a chocolate bar was such a big hit with women!
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.
Fennel: In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times when it was used as “libido enhancement.” In today's language that would be a "woo! hoo!"
Vanilla: The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. According to the Australian Orchid Society, “Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness.” OK, now there's a plan to get what you want easily.
INGREDIENTS
Lobster salad
• 2 lobsters (approximately 1 pound each)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 each baby fennel, trimmed
• 1 large head fennel, diced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Sherry vinegar, to taste
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 head Bibb lettuce
• 2 tablespoons vanilla oil
Orange-basil gremolata
• 2 navel oranges, freshly grated zest and juice
• 8 leaves basil, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons finely chopped toasted almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• Salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Lobster salad
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lobsters, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Pull the lobsters from the pot and chill under cold running water. When cool enough to handle, remove the claw and tail meat from the shells. Wrap in a damp towel and refrigerate.
Slice the baby fennel very thin length-wise, reserve in cold water. In a small sauce pot combine the large fennel, heavy cream, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally until fennel is soft. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Season to taste with sherry vinegar, salt and pepper; chill.
Clean the Bibb lettuce leaves under cold running water.
Orange-basil gremolata
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl; cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
To serve: Smear a spoonful of fennel puree on the base of the plate, and then place the lobster on, garnish with the sliced baby fennel, bibb lettuce, and gremolata. Drizzle vanilla oil around the plate and serve.
For her, this drink: The "Garden Daisy"
From: Cameron Bogue, mixologist from Bar Pleiades
Aphrodisiacs: Carrots are believed to be a sexual stimulant. The phallus-shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. It’s also high in vitamins and beta-carotene. Basil is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It’s also said to produce a general sense of well-being for body and mind. OK, so now we know why the Italians, who use a lot of basil in their cuisine, have such a reputation for the ladies.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 ounces Beefeater Gin
• 1 ounce Cointreau
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1 ounce carrot juice
• 2 basil leaves
DIRECTIONS
Serve in a martini glass. Garnish with caster sugar rim and basil leaf. Shake up and strain. A daisy is a style of drink that consists of a spirit of any kind mixed with curacao and citrus. This variation adds two bold spring flavors, carrot juice and basil, both of which are aphrodisiacs.
For him, this drink: The "Beijing Mule"
From: Cameron Bogue, mixologist from Bar Pleiades
Aphrodisiacs: Ginger root, whether raw, cooked or crystallized, is a stimulant to the circulatory system and acts as an aphrodisiac. Saffron can also be used as a stimulant or inebriant, depending on the dosage. Sun-dried filaments ingested stimulates sexual desire. The essential oils evoke long, distinctive orgasms. OK, everyone, there will a lot of standing in line for hours at your local health food store. No pushing and shoving allowed. :)
INGREDIENTS
• 2 ounces Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka infused with Saffron
• 1/4 ounce yuzu juice/lime juice
• Fill with ginger beer
DIRECTIONS
Serve in a tall glass and cubed ice. Garnish with lime zest. Build and stir.
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