Aphrodisiac Dinner - A Lover's Delight!

The Cook's Corner of Green Bay and I recently hosted this amazing Aphrodisiac Dinner - which happened to be Gluten Free!! It was an excited class with an exceptional group of people in attendance. We all laughed, learned and enjoyed aphrodisiac rich foods! Hope you all enjoy, please let me know if you have any questions or comments.





Just a few Aphrodisiac Rich Foods:
The word aphrodisiac comes from the name of the Greek Goddess of sexual love and beauty, Aphrodite.
Vanilla: Has long been described as the “Nectar of the gods”. There is little doubt that Vanilla is a natural aphrodisiac. Vanilla's power of seduction lays in it’s sensual, calming scent and exotic taste. Taste and smell are important components when it comes to love and romance. Historically, there has long been a connection between the sweet, alluring aroma of Vanilla and sexual arousal. It's intoxicating, warm, sensual smell has captivated everyone over the ages from the Mayan and Aztec Idians, the Spaniards, the French and the Orient right through to modern times.
Almonds: Are high in Vitamin E, which is also known as the sex vitamin. Almonds are also high in magnesium which is linked to increased circulation.
Honey: Is known as the nectar of Aphrodite. Sticky, runny, viscous, butter-texture, deliciously sweet, honey is as much a sensual experience as it is a delicious indulgence. Honey is also an energy booster. There is no mistaking the relationship between honey as an aphrodisiac and the tradition of the honeymoon. In ancient times it was traditional to present the newlyweds with honey to help them enjoy their first sexual encounters and aid to procreate a child.
Strawberries: The strawberry has the shape of a red heart, making it an edible valentine. Since ancient Rome the strawberry has been considered an aphrodisiac and was the symbol of Venus – the goddess of love for its heart shape and red color.
Chocolate: The Aztecs are possibly the first on record to link cocoa beans and sexual desire. The Emperor Montezuma was said to consume the bean in copious amounts before heading off to his harem. . Casanova , the legendary lover, touted chocolate for its ability to provide energy for a night on the prowl. He also understood the allure of creamy, dark chocolate on craving-prone women, for whom chocolate can turn on the pleasure sensors in the brain. In fact, the great lothario declared sweet, complex and sensual pleasure among the world’s finest aphrodisiacs, second only to Champagne.
Rosemary: Increases circulation and encourages digestion. Bathing in a tub scented by a few drops of rosemary essential oil promises to circulation to the skin and sensitivity to touch.
It was named for Aphrodite/Venus and, in many early depictions, the goddess of love was portrayed clutching or wearing a sprig of the fragrant herb.
Placed under your pillow, rosemary is thought to promote pleasant dreams. Steeped as a tea, it can calm nerves. In ancient Rome, the herb was considered an aid to empowerment.
Rosemary has not lost its power in the present day. Added to any savory dish, its intense flavor and comforting aromas are unforgettable. And perhaps, used at the right time and for the right person, rosemary may find you love.
Figs: Some historians suspect that the fig’s original home was the Garden of Eden, and that the fig was the original temptress, the true forbidden fruit.
But even those who still cling to the myth of the apple find the fig’s charms to be undeniable. This soft, plump fruit is a fine source of iron and potassium-minerals much needed in the horizontal pas de deux.
Asparagus: Being an aphrodisiac - the particular asparagus is known as any psycho-physiological aphrodisiac because of its form. It is known in order to trigger your brain to experience a physical response. The French term with regard to asparagus will be asperse; asperse is really a jargon phrase with regard to manhood.
Asparagus can also, cleanse our bodies, Provides anti-aging features, can protect in opposition to cancer; minimizes pain and inflammation, can prevent osteoporosis as well as Osseo arthritis; minimizes the potential risk of heart disease, will help stop delivery flaws.
Cinnamon: Is a spice known for producing heat within our bodies and souls. In history cinnamon has been referred to as a lover’s scent. The book of Proverbs in the Bible, where together with myrrh and aloe, it was used to "perfume the lovers' bed". Yet this is not the only mention of Cinnamon from ancient times in this regard: An attar (essential oil or oil blend) of Cinnamon was said to have been used by Queen of Sheba in her seduction of King Solomon, at around 950 B.C. In ancient times, the use of such spices was reserved for nobility / royalty. They were rare, costly, and thus considered all the more exotic.
Coffee: Coffee is a stimulant with stamina-enhancing ability which has led it to become a status symbol in certain cultures.
Coffee excites not just the body, but also the mind and can elevate mood as it elevates other things. In scientific studies, it has been revealed that coffee can increase levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with the pleasure system of the brain.
Red Wine: Earthy, masculine reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are said to imitate the scent of male pheromones. One of the most hyped members of the food world, not only will red wine halt those evil free radicals and keep you skinny and young, but it will also boost your libido and that of your lover.

Kona Coffee Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients
4 Tablespoons Kona Coffee Beans,  freshly ground 
2 Teaspoons Sea Salt
4 Teaspoons dark brown sugar 
1 Tablespoon sweet paprika 
1 ¼ Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Teaspoon ground cumin
¾ Teaspoon ground coriander
1 Tablespoon Droste unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1 pound pork tenderloin
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
In a small bowl, mix together the coffee, salt, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, garlic and onion powders, cumin, coriander and cocoa.

Sprinkle the rub on the tenderloin
Allow Rub to marinade into the meat for 2-24 hours in refrigerator.
In a Large Pan heat oil, carefully place tenderloin on hot oil and brown all sides to form a crust. 
Place pan with tenderloin in a baking dish, in a 300 degrees preheated oven. Add one bottle of Bone Suckin' Sauce or your favorite BBQ Sauce. Cook for 20-30 minutes until internal temperature of 160 is reached. Allow meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing. 
Mushroom Cap Potatoes with Rosemary and Sea Salt
Serves 2
“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance” - Ophelia, Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Ingredients
1/2 Pound baby red potato or other small potato
1 Tablespoon Chopped Rosemary
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt and fresh Ground Pepper to taste/ garnish
Wash and dry potatoes.
Using an apple corer, cut half way into the potato. Use a pairing knife to cut around the apple corer - leaving a mushroom type cap and stem.
In a bowl, gently toss the potatoes in Oil, Rosemary and Sea Salt.
In a frying pan, over medium high heat, gently brown the potatoes on all sides. 
Carefully transfer to a cookie sheet and finish potatoes in 400 degree F oven.
Gently remove from pan, drizzle with oil and top with fresh ground pepper for the appearance of dirt!

Grilled Asparagus with Sea Salt and Pepper
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 Pound Fresh Asparagus
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Wash and dry asparagus, and carefully cut of bottom of stem. Gently Drizzle with Oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Using a grill or Cast Iron Grill pan, over medium high heat roast the asparagus - don’t over cook, a slight crunch is preferred.

                                                  Chocolate Mousse 
under Cinnamon Honey Whipping Cream 
with Fresh Berries on top
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 Pound Fresh Strawberries 
2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
1 teaspoon High Quality Vanilla
1 Tablespoon Honey
½ Teaspoon Cinnamon
(we added Kahlua for an added delight!)
Chocolate Mousse – prepare to package directions or you can make from scratch
Chill metal bowl, and beaters in the freezer. In chilled bowl add the heavy whipping cream and beat on high with hand mixer until soft peaks form. Add the honey, vanilla and cinnamon and continue to mix until stiff peaks form.
Place Prepared chocolate mousse in bowl (best aphrodisiac effects from sharing this dessert). Top with large scoop of whipping cream and place the berries on top with the stems  facing up. Strawberries can be utilized as a serving utensil. Spoons are optional. 

Enjoy!!