Heating Things Up (in the Kitchen).(aphrodisiacs)(Brief Article)

Seduce your sweetie with these legendary aphrodisiacs

From as far back as ancient times, certain foods have been thought to have libido-enhancing effects. The list of ingredients that reputedly arouse or increase the sexual appetite run the gamut from oysters and scallops to Spanish fly and ginseng. While there is a definite lack of scientific evidence behind many claims, there is still something to be said about the combination of candlelight, fine wine and good food. After all, what other activity is as sensual as preparing and enjoying a good meal? Cooking involves almost all of the senses: sight (the rainbow of colors in a plate of vegetables or the golden hue of a fresh-baked pie); touch (the feel of butter and flour in your hands being transformed into a soft, pliable pastry dough); smell (the scent of garlic sizzling in a pan or the bouquet of a rich, red wine); and, the most obvious, taste.

THE SCENT-SUAL APPROACH

While there may not be evidence to support the arousing effects of food, there may be something to the idea of scents as aphrodisiacs. Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of Chicago's Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, conducted a study in 1998 to see if and what scents would cause sexual stimulation. In the initial double-blind study, baked cinnamon buns had the greatest effect on men. In the second study, floral scents, perfumes and food scents were tested on men between the ages of 18 and 64. The no. 1 odor that enhanced penile blood flow (by 40 percent!) was, believe it or not, a combination of lavender and pumpkin pie. The no. 2 odor was a combination of doughnuts and black licorice, and the third was a combination of pumpkin pie and doughnuts. In a similar study conducted with women, the no. 1 scent was a combination of Good & Plenty candy and cucumbers. Go figure.

So just what is it that causes some foods to be labeled as aphrodisiacs? Some foods, such as peaches, asparagus and oysters get their reputation from their close resemblance to certain body parts. Other foods might actually have some science behind them. Chocolate, for example, contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that produces the same feelings that we experience when we are in love. By the same token, spicy foods such as hot chili peppers and curry powders raise the heart rate and induce sweating -- responses similar to the ones the body has during sexual activity.

So why not try it tonight? Don an apron, put on some music and light the candles. Add to the mix an attractive sous chef, and you've got yourself a recipe for success!

Asparagus with roasted garlic and pine nut "butter"