It’s easy for me to share 10 romantic dinner ideas with you, because I
cook this way almost every night. I only cook what I’m inspired to
create, and my wife, Heather has always been the muse behind my
creativity, from culinary college until today.
The most romantic meals have three elements; they are visually
appealing, they are pleasing to the palate, and they include aphrodisiac
ingredients for their effects, or just for conversation value.
For centuries, many foods have been associated with aphrodisiac
qualities. Can certain foods actually excite you more than others?
Perhaps there’s more myth than medicine behind most of these stories,
but other foods have been proven to have biological reactions similar to
being in love.
Here’s my top 10 romantic dinner ideas and why they made the list:
1) Raw (or almost raw) Fish – Seared Ahi Tuna with Steamed Asparagus and
Jasmine Rice - Raw fish can contain high levels of iron, perfect for
testosterone production. Plus, Asparagus is packed with potassium,
calcium, and Vitamin E, giving strength and stamina to the body. Plus,
asparagus looks sexual. I’ll leave it at that.
2) Black Beans - Sauteed Grouper, Black Beans with Goat Cheese, Sauteed
Green Beans with Red Peppers - Black beans were outlawed by the Catholic
Church in the 15th century because they were too nubile, too
reminiscent of a fetus, and thus would excite passions and create sin.
Black beans are high in protein and are said to increase fertility.
3) Oysters and Clams - Baked Clams or Oysters Casino - Shellfish have
long been associated with fertility, and oysters a particular favorite
of legendary lovers like Cassanova. Modern science tells us that
oysters, clams, mussels and other bi-valves are loaded with zinc, key to
performance for both sexes.
4) Scallops - Poached Scallops over Brown Rice - Oysters have gotten
most of the lore and fame of aphrodisiac qualities that remain today.
However, Scallops were thought the most potent fertility food even
before oysters. The scallop shell became the symbol of fertility to
medieval Christians. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess, as well as Venus, the
Roman goddess of fertility and love are both associated with scallop
shells through timeless artwork.
5) Herbs and Seasonings - Fresh Tomato Pie with Basil Chiffonade - Herbs
and spices have always been rare and expensive, until modern day. Most
explorers of centuries past were in search of herbs and spices. The more
rare the item, the more lore and myth that surrounds it. However, fresh
herbs release intoxicating aromas that awaken many senses beyond taste.
6) Eggs - Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise - Eggs ARE the symbol of birth.
It’s just about the only embryo we actually eat. It’s not surprising
that they’ve long been associated with passion and fertility, as it was
thought raw eggs consumed before consummation increased sexual vigor and
fertility. Today, it’s known that the high quality protein found in
eggs metabolize quickly in the body and aid in cell structure.
Plus, if you make Eggs Benedict for a loved one, I guarantee positive results!
7) Avocado - Poached Salmon with Angel Hair Pasta and Guacamole - The
aphrodisiac lore behind avocados comes from its appearance. At the same
time, they were seen as resembling a testicle by the Aztecs, and thought
to be too suggestive of the curves of a woman to many other ancient
cultures. The truth is that avocados have the highest level of protein
you can find in a plant. Only animal proteins are greater.
8) Shrimp and Shellfish - Shrimp Cocktail with Fancy Sauces- One of the
simplest meals to assemble, but the most effect from a romantic dinner
idea standpoint, simple steamed shrimp can be one of the easiest and
best meals. Lobster, crabs, shrimp and other shellfish are high in iron
and essential fatty acids that are said to improve performance. An array
of dipping sauces will give you a wide variety of exciting flavors, and
an opportunity to share.
9) Hot Peppers - Hot Wings with Fresh Cut Fries Capsaicin, the heat in
hot peppers, increases heart rate, dialates blood vessels, and deepens
breathing. Eat some hot wings, or Indian Food, and your body will react
as if you’re in love.
10) Strawberries - Chocolate Covered Strawberries or Strawberry Crepes -
Strawberries ARE the signal of Spring all over the world. They arrive
when all the birds are singing, and the bees are gathering honey. The
heart shape and sweet red juice of strawberries have given them special
place in aphrodisiac lore. Combining strawberries and cream or chocolate
gives you two elements to excite. If you feed strawberries to your
loved one, then you’re using them to their full effect.
To enjoy the great flavor and romantic qualities of chocolate, you don’t
have to wait for dessert. Adding Chocolate Chip Pancakes or Chocolate
Scones to breakfast, Cocoa Mole Chicken BLT at lunch, and Mole Pesto
Shrimp for dinner will enable you to have Chocolate at Every Meal.
Just because my wife supported me through culinary school so I could
follow my passion doesn’t mean I owe her a lifetime of dinners. She may
think so, but she doesn’t realize that learning to cook is not only a
way to enjoy my passion, but it’s a way to express passion as well.
I’m excited to create new meals using aphrodisiac foods. You don’t need
to be a professional chef to prepare a meal for the one you love. You
don’t need to be Cassanova to be romantic. You just need some romantic
dinner ideas and the rest will follow.
See the complete romantic dinner ideas video that shows each of the dishes mentioned above.
