Chocolate, oysters, grapes, chilies, coffee and basil….what do they have in common? Throughout history, each of them has been considered to be an aphrodisiac. Royalty and common folk alike have sought to captivate the persons of their desire through feeding them aphrodisiacs, or consuming aphrodisiacs in order to appease those they loved.
Is there any basis to such claims? Martha Hopkins, co-author of “The New InterCourses: an aphrodisiac cookbook” says: “Historically, the qualifying factors for aphrodisiacs were relatively simple: The rare an ingredient (caviar), the more likely it held aphrodisiacal qualities. Likewise, the more an ingredient resembled a sexual organ, the stronger its power over the libido (asparagus).” 
In some cases, it’s more anecdotal such as black beans and pinenuts which have been considered to be symbols and sources of fertility. Black beans for instance begin to grow in a pod, eventually becoming plump and emerging ready to create yet another life. The idea that black beans produced fertility has been so strong in the past that it even led one early Latin church father to forbid consumption of black beans by the nuns!
Yet in other cases modern science has shed some light on why figures such as Casanova is said to have consumed dozens and dozens of oysters in a given sitting (they are low in fat and high in zinc which is key to sexual performance for both men and women) or why Aztec emperor Montezuma consumed as many as 50 goblets of a cold bitter chocolate beverage flavored with chilies and vanilla (the caffeine of chocolate provides a surge of energy while it delivers a dose of PEA and serotonin, chilies get the heart pumpking and cause the face to go flush while making us sweat, and the scent of vanilla has been shown to produce a feeling of well-being). In both cases, they relied on these storied foodstuffs to maintain their libido.
Regardless of ingredient be they rare or abundant, and putting folklore and science aside, simply taking the time and effort to prepare a delicious meal for someone special could be considered to be an aphrodisiac.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether it’s a favorite restaurant or a special meal prepared for your valentine, food is usually at the forefront of valentine’s celebrations. If you’re looking for a unique gift that will provide countless hours of enjoyment (on many levels!), then take a look at “The New InterCourses: an aphrodisiac cookbook” written by Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge. Filled with delicious recipes featuring aphrodisiacs, it also includes recipes for massage oils and aphrodisiac suggestions for any stage of a relationship or time of day.
Originally published in 1997 as “InterCourses: an aphrodisiac cookbook” by Hopkins and Lockridge it was updated in 2007 for the 10th anniversary and has continued to be a top seller even when other cookbooks have come and gone. The two were college buddies that found post-college life to be less exciting than they hoped. Trying to find a means of employment that would be financially viable and allow them to express their creative sides, they decided to build on Martha’s experience in cookbook publishing. Noting a lack of quality books covering a centuries-old topic, they chose aphrodisiacs as the focus of their book. The success of this useful and yet coffeetable-quality book, they have gone on to consult, design, and publish books for other chefs and authors.
Martha Hopkins will be returning to 700 Kitchen Cooking School at the Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. Throughout Valentine’s weekend she’ll present a total of three hands-on classes where she’ll strip away the myths and expose the facts while guiding you and your valentine in the preparation of an aphrodisiac-packed experience! Signed cookbooks will be available and make a great gift for wedding showers, weddings, and anniversaries.
If you’re unable to attend,
signed copies of the cookbook may be ordered for
$29.95 plus shipping
by calling: 912-721-5044
“Be Mine: Food & Aphrodisiacs for the One You Love”
Friday February 12, 2010 6-9pm OR
Saturday February 13, 2010 6-9pm
Featuring:
Fried Oyster Salad with Remoulade Dressing
Artichoke Pizza with Feta & Thyme
Braised Quail with Grapes
Couscous with Pine Nuts & Raisins
Basil Sugar Tuiles with Lemon Sorbet and Fresh Berries
$120/person
“Chocolate Temptations for Sweet Sensations”
Sunday February 14, 2010 2-5pm
Featuring:
Chocolate & Fig Bundles
Chocolate Almond Truffles
Chocolate Pots de Creme
Chocolate Torte Dressed in Berries
$90/person
Registration Information:
Reservations are Required: 912-238-5158
All classes will be at:
700 Kitchen Cooking School
Mansion on Forsyth Park hotel
700 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401