Valentine's Day is approaching and the question is more and more often asked how to culinary planning this evening so that the food is not only tasty and light, but also moody. It is then that it is worth remembering about Italian dishes that awaken the senses like no other, not forgetting about a sweet dessert with aphrodisiacs.
Mediterranean cuisine is full of aphrodisiacs, also known as magical substances that affect our senses, modify the action of sex hormones and change our behavior. They have a positive effect on potency and even fertility. They increase libido and intensify love sensations. On this romantic evening, it is worth paying attention to properly composed dishes, with specific herbs and spices - says Michał Rajewski, Chef of Focaccia Ristorante in Warsaw. - In Focaccia Ristorante, for this evening, we offer our guests a love aperitif (e.g. a glass of Prosecco), then a cozza, i.e. a bowl for two with mussels in white wine, with tarragon, garlic and lemon, served with homemade focaccia. The main course is ravioli with crayfish, shrimp oil, basil and parmesan cheese or duck with mustard puree, carrots, honey, fennel, almonds and anise pine. For dessert, I suggest gingerbread with milk chocolate, molasses and candied cherries for two.
Tastes that will awaken your senses. Aphrodisiacs for Valentine's Day
Aphrodisiacs can be divided into four groups - seafood, herbs and spices, fruit and vegetables and of course chocolate.
- Seafood
Seafood is one of the strongest aphrodisiacs - especially oysters and clams are considered to be such. Due to the content of amino acids, zinc and selenium, they increase testosterone levels, increasing sexual performance. That is why zinc is called the element of love. Selenium has a positive effect on the muscles. It is worth knowing that it is in the male sex glands that more than half of the selenium found in the body is accumulated - for an active lover, replenishing this element is especially important.
- Herbs and spices
Chilli, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, lovage - probably everyone knows about the love properties of these spices. However, not everyone knows that basil is an equally powerful aphrodisiac. For example, Hindus believethat eating one Tulasi leaf (one of the varieties of basil) a day ensures a rich sex life, and the Haitians that sprinkling basil leaves around a lover's heart is to guarantee his faithfulness. Of course, the popular variety of basil, especially popular in Mediterranean cuisine, has the power of an aphrodisiac. Noteworthy is anise, which contains estrogenic substances that increase women's desire, and saffron is considered the most effective aphrodisiac according to Food Research International. Spices such as clove, nutmeg, ginger and garlic also have a positive effect on libido.
- Fruits and vegetables
It is worth mentioning carrots, which - thanks to the content of vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, has a positive effect on sexual condition, and mangoes - containing zinc.
- Chocolate
Listed at the end, but probably the nicest to our palates. Thanks to the cocoa content, it increases the level of dopamine and serotonin, at the same time releasing the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction.
A special Valentine's Day sweets collection, which you can give your loved ones, will be a romantic surprise for gourmands - says Adam Freus, Head of Confectionery from Miodowa Cafe in Warsaw. And indeed - it is a wonderful gift that not only looks beautiful and elegant, but also tastes amazing. - For this occasion we have prepared delicious truffles - says Freus - love marshmallows, Valentine's Day cake, marzipan heart and a romantic chronicle. An original confectionery idea for a romantic evening is certainly Valentine's Dessert Bar, available only at our place, in Miodowa-Cafe: a set of 3 exclusive desserts with aphrodisiacs is a real feast for the senses:
- lichi / hibiscus / champagne
- celery / truffle / buckwheat honey
- chocolate 70% / avocado / cinnamon
Cozza, or mussels - recipe for 1 serving
For those who prefer to spend this evening at home, the Chef of the Italian restaurant Focaccia Ristorante shares his recipe for preparing mussels.
Ingredients: shallots (1 small), garlic (1 clove), tarragon, parsley, chilli, butter (a spoon), white wine (a glass), fish broth (a glass), s alt, pinch, mussels 0.8 kg .
Execution: finely dice the shallots and garlic and fry them in a pan. We clean and dry the crustaceans. Put the mussels on the pan, add the chilli and pour the wine over it. Reduce the wine and add the fish broth, add the tarragon and butter, cover with the lid and keep on the fire until the mussels open. After opening the mussels, separate the shellfish from the sauce, and reduce the sauce to its thickness. Season the sauce to tastesole. Put the mussels into the sauce and sprinkle the finished dish with tarragon and parsley.
Enjoy your meal!
