It’s hard to believe that it is already the middle of January. I am sure that like me, you are still thinking that we are in September, unless you are not in San Diego. I know, I know…we San Diegans are spoiled to an extent, trading blowing snow and the seasonal change for sun, sun and for 10 months of the year, sun. This does come at a cost though, and most of my friends in other parts of the country think I have lost my mind when I am wondering what month we are in.
To say that I am surprised writing a post on Valentine’s day is an understatement, if only to keep the charade alive on another sunny day. (Well, it was sunny when I started this post, now it is raining cats n dogs outside so my charade is gone).
Not to get into a history lesson but, the first feast of St Valentine (feast, I can only snicker) was in the year 496 and started by Pope Gelasius I. Jump to the modern time of 2010 and we see a very different holiday. To most, Valentine’s day is a day that you celebrate (or not) your lover, companion or loved ones, showering them with gifts of flowers, candies and charms. Being a chef, I wasn’t the type to shower anyone with such trivial gifts, but was more inclined to cook a special dinner, loaded with trusted and true aphrodisiacs for, well you know…;)
Since the time is near and I have just finished the aphrodisiac menu for the restaurant this Valentine’s day I thought I would pass along my 10 favorite aphrodisiac ingredients, just in case you are looking at spending some quality time at home this year near your kitchen.
Chef Rob’s Fav Aphrodisiacs (not in any particular order either 
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- Oysters, especially Kumomoto.
- Truffles, the hypogenous fungi not the chocolate. For chocolate, see #4.
- Vanilla…real bean, er pod…not extract.
- Chocolate, especially truffles.
- Arugula sometimes known as rocket. Small green with big pepper flavor.
- Nutmeg, contains myristicin and other compounds related to mescalin. Who knew?
- Raspberries, use your imagination…
- Figs, the Romans likened this fruit to the honey pot. Go figure.
- Ginger is said to get your blood moving. Perhaps that is why it is this chefs favorite rhizome.
- Black pepper is another blood boiler. Salt n pepper shrimp anyone?
So there ya go, my fav aphrodisiacs for this year (2010).
So now I ask you…what’s your little hidden culinary gem that you keep in your back pocket for this one day a year?
chefRob
Red wine with a heavy dose of the Bee Gees works