Sensuality is a very important aspect of any successful meal. As we dine we are using all of our senses and this should be a pleasant experience. To ensure your special event is successful pay attention to the details. Having as much of your meal prepared in advance will free you up to spend time with that special someone, so make sure you think ahead and stay organized. Things like flowers, a nice table cloth, candles, and soft music are also very important to setting the mood for your special event.

Aphrodisiacs are foods, herbs, and beverages that increase desire. Some of these foods are adventurous in nature and might not be for the faint of heart. If you or your special guest aren’t into oysters or caviar don’t worry you always have fresh strawberries and champagne. Try to serve items that you know your special guest will enjoy and, as always, select the highest quality, freshest ingredients you can find.

This week I wanted to share a some foods that are not only known aphrodisiacs suitable for your special guest, but are also relatively easy to find and very nutritious. Hopefully you will come up with some great dishes that include some of these delicious ingredients to ensure a wonderful event. There are lots of foods that fall into this category but I thought it would be best to pick some of may favorites and let you take it from there.

Until next time!

Hot Chilies

Capsaicin is known to increase circulation and stimulates nerve endings. This can result in a heightened sensitivity, and increased gland function. Some people claim to feel bussed after eating very spicy foods.

Asparagus and Avocados

Green vegetables such as avocado and asparagus are high in vitamin E and will increase the natural production of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. The increase of these hormones can increase desire. They also happen to be delicious!

Chocolate

Cocoa is packed full of phenethylamine, a chemical stimulant that gives you a feeling of well being and contentment.

Oysters

Loaded with zinc, iron, amino acids, calcium and selenium, as well as vitamin A and vitamin B12. Oysters are most nutritious when eaten raw and have been thought of as an aphrodisiac since Roman times.

Pomegranates

Also quite high in antioxidants, the pomegranate increases testosterone levels and give you a feeling of wellness.

Red Wine

Containing resveratrol, an antioxidant that helps boost blood flow and improve circulation. Although a drink or two of any sort will loosen you up and relax you, over indulgence can easily turn a lovely evening into a clumsy one.

Salmon

This fish is swimming with omega-3 fatty acids producing hormones that increase desire, plus it’s darn tasty.

Figs

With a delcate and earthy-sweet flavor and unctuous texture, figs are very pleasing to the senses. Historically this may be one of the most famous aphrodisiac fruits dating back to biblical times

Honey

A great source of boron, a trace mineral that helps the body use and metabolize estrogen. Honey also contains B vitamins needed for testosterone, as well as other nutrients and enzymes. It pairs well with many foods and can be used as a sweetener in place of sugar in many cases.

Arugula

Used as a natural aphrodisiac since the 1st century AD. It’s packed with essential vitamins such as potassium, beta carotene, iron, zinc, copper, riboflavin, vitamins C, A and K, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium.

Eggs

High in vitamins B5 and B6, these protein packed gems help balance hormones and reduce stress levels.

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Here is a selection of events around the country that are sure to get you in the mood:

Sunday, September 15 I intimate FEAST with Angus Brown – Atlanta, Georgia   An intimate evening of food, wine, and learning hosted by Salted Honey and featuring chef Angus Brown of Octopus Bar. This special evening will hold a few of Salted Honey’s staples: 3 courses + dessert + wine/cocktail pairings, but the “intimate FEASTs” will have a little something, well, more intimate. There will only be 16 seats and it will be hosted in Salted Honey’s permanent loft location in Cabbagetown. They will have the pleasure of featuring Chef Angus Brown as the copilot and guest chef for the evening. With him, guests will be exploring the world of oysters + champagne, and planning a menu around some of his favorite ingredients and ideas. Come enjoy an evening of learning, tasting, and indulgence as Salted Honey provides an intimate dining experience.

Wednesday, September 18 and Wednesday, September 25 I Belly Dancing & Sangria – Mountain View, California   This is to be a beautiful Wednesday night at Moroccos Restaurant Mountain View where romantic meets fun. They will spice up the night with a beautiful belly dancer at 7PM and their famous Sangria for $4 a glass all night! Come and get transported to an exotic world of the delicious Moroccan cuisine with the signature tagines and couscous of Chef Jay in the heart of Castro Street.

Thursday, September 19 I Bubbles & Oyster Pairing – Seattle, Washington   This fun event will give guests a taste of five Champagnes and five types of oysters. Ballard Annex Oyster House chef, Josh Green, will be talking about the oysters, and Matt Freerks from Moët will be discussing each champagne, which includes two vintages. Pairings will be Moët Imperial & Kusshi, Moët 2002 Rose & Shigoku, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin & Kumamoto, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 2004 & Penn Cove and Runiart Blanc de Blanc & Totten Virginica.

Sunday, September 29 I Sex on the Table – Aphrodisiac Cooking Class – New York, New York   At Sex on the Table you’ll receive a hands-on cooking lesson from award winning ChefFed, where you’ll learn to work with unique aphrodisiacs that not only seduce your palate but also your nose, eyes, ears, hands, and (most importantly) your mind. Swiss-born ChefFed is a chef without borders. After working in some of the best kitchens in Switzerland, San Francisco, and Spain, he has become a master at delivering a new world of sensations to the palate. The Sex on the Table classes focus on pairing unexpected aphrodisiacs to create a totally new culinary experience. Whether this includes adding asparagus to a dessert, mixing apricot and fennel, or pairing chocolate with chicken, the result is guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.