Heat up Valentine’s with this aphrodisiac menu

Phil Lempert TODAY Food Editor • Profile • E-mail

Thousands of years ago, Egyptian priests were forbidden to eat onions.

Onions? Were the authorities worried about bad breath in the palace? No, the pharaohs were concerned that the temptation for sex might become too great!

Onions an aphrodisiac? Well, maybe the chefs on the Nile had a special recipe. But the plain fact is that many foods over the years have acquired a reputation for creating desire. And while some of that may be based in science — increased blood flow and enhanced mood are brought on by some foods — much of the aphrodisiac effect would appear to be psychological.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, an aphrodisiac can be explained as: “The psychophysiological reaction that a well-prepared meal can have upon the human organism. The combination of the various sensuous reactions — the visual satisfaction of the sight of appetizing food, the olfactory stimulation of their pleasing smells and the tactile gratification afforded the oral mechanism by rich, savory dishes — tend to bring on a state of general euphoria conducive to sexual expression.”

Indeed, it’s a combination of several senses that create these aphrodisiac qualities, so setting the proper mood on Valentine's — candles, an attractively set table, and so forth — can be just as important as the foods.

So, get out your best silverware and crystal, and consider some of our favorite food and beverages for a special celebration. And before you run to the store to make this year's Valentine's the most romantic ever, remember that most researchers who have looked into the romance-inducing qualities of various foods all agree on one thing: that the mind is the most powerful aphrodisiac.

Enjoy!

Naughty ol’ chocolate
Ever wonder why Valentine's has become synonymous with chocolate? Well consider this: Chocolate is a source of quick energy and can even elevate some people’s moods. So start your Valentine’s dinner with a beautiful chocolate heart (but just take one bite!).

Want to know which part of the country is most likely to use chocolate to boost the Valentine’s spirit? Well, we asked the folks at ACNielsen to analyze the top cities in the United States to see which one buys the most chocolate for Valentine’s Day … and the winner in 2004 was Portland, Oregon! (By the way, the area with the lowest Valentine’s chocolate sales was New Orleans.)

As lots of Portlandites will know, chocolate contains two related alkaloid stimulants — theobromine and caffeine. It is also rich in PEA, or phenylethylamine, a naturally occurring compound that has effects similar to an amphetamine.

So, while research hasn't proven that chocolate is a true aphrodisiac, many would suggest that being happier and in a better mood leads to better romance.

A potent love potion
The other side of the aphrodisiac equation is drink. Too much, of course, can lead to romantic disaster, but a little can increase relaxation and promote sociability. Combine that with aphrodisiac ingredients and you have a potent brew.

And here’s a little something to loosen things up, the Kahlua White Seduction cocktail created by the bar manager at the super-trendy Frederick’s bar in New York City (and one of the top sellers in their clandestine “members-only” room). The drink, made with milk, Kahlua (a coffee-and-vanilla based liqueur from Mexico) and Stolichnaya Vanil vodka, combines alcohol with the aphrodisiac qualities of coffee and vanilla.

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