Menu: Setting the Mood with Food

Start by taking a shot... just kidding

Aphrodisiac refers to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, who had the ability to drive people wild with lust. This menu is guaranteed to bring a little heat and desire into your kitchen! 

Start with an Arugula Salad with Avocados and Citrus. 

Try a Chilean Sea bass in a Fennel Broth for your main course. 

Then end sweetly with Chocolate Cinnamon Waffles with caramelized banana’s and rum ice cream. 

Shake up a tasty Death By Chocolate Cocktail. 

Arugula, Avocado, and Citrus Salad

 2 cups arugula

 1 orange, cut into individual slices with the zest and pith removed

 2 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved

 1/2 medium Hass avocado, sliced

 Salt and pepper to taste

Toss arugula with orange and avocado, and gently toss.

Dressing:

1 tablespoon Coleman’s mustard

1/3 cup champagne vinegar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon orange juice

1/4 cup olive oil

Mix together some orange juice, mustard, a splash of vinegar, a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour on salad.

The arugula, avocado and citrus are all sure to add some love to your kitchen.

Arugula: Since the beginning of time, arugula has been used as an aphrodisiac. According to the Cambridge World History of Food, arugula was combined with grated orchid bulbs, parsnips, pine nuts and pistachios to make an ‘aphrodisiac mix.’ 

Avocado: Catholic priests in Spain deemed avocados an outlawed food because they were thought to be so “obscenely sexual.” Avocado, like asparagus is high in folic acid which produces histamine. The fruit also has vitamin B6 and potassium, which calms the nerves and controls many body processes such as heart regulation. 

Citrus: Any member of this tropical fruit family is super-rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and folic acid -- all of which are essential for men's reproductive health. Enjoy a romantic salad that incorporates citrus.

Photos by Kristen Finn

On the set of Capital Cooking