Gastranomic Pleasures

To master the Art of Gastronomy one will fully understand the relationship between culture and food. It is often thought erroneously that the term gastronomy refers exclusively to the art of cooking, but this is only a small part of this discipline; it cannot always be said that a cook is also a gourmet. Gastronomy studies various cultural components with food as its central axis. Thus it is related to the Fine Arts and Social Sciences, and even to the Natural Sciences in terms of the digestive system of the human body.

A gourmet's principal activities involve discovering, tasting, experiencing, researching, understanding and writing about foods. Gastronomy is therefore an interdisciplinary activity. Good observation will reveal that around the food, there exists dance, dramatic arts, painting, sculpture, literature, architecture, and music; in other words, the Fine Arts. 

Eating is more enjoyable when you are fully aware of all the elements I have mentioned and so many people think that they can’t cook. It simply is not true.

I am going to show you that you are capable of really enjoying food and incorporating the sensual side of it into your life. I am going to give you recipes that are going to include many fantastic tastes and textures which are amazingly simple to create (okay, not all of them) and you too can prove to yourself and to others that you don’t have to be a professional Chef to create something utterly tantalising involving all elements of Gastronomy.

Lusciously dipped strawberry...

Seduction…

Have you ever heard about the art of seduction? I bet this will bring back memories, or entice you to perfect the art yourself

Firstly, it's very important that you choose the right person to seduce. You may have spotted him leaning against that bar over there embedded in deep conversation with his mates. Something about him just catches your attention. Could it be that dimple when he smiles or the way he moves his hers when he talks.  This is more a matter of instinct than anything else, but you are sure to try something to get his attention right?

Now the thrill of seduction sometimes lies in the chase rather than the conquest, the excitement of lust and a sense of satisfaction when that lust has been returned. He looks at you, just a glimpse, but you feel it, that the moment he has set his eyes on yours, he is interested. You just play it safe, wait patiently for him to make the first move. You hold your glass in your hand, flick back your long hair and take a small but slow sip glancing over at him while he has now totally lost his train of thought. A hint of a smile, a slight drop of your head, eyes looking straight at him innocently but outrageously sexy. When he lowers his glass, and keeps his eyes set on yours, you got him and you know that tonight is going to have a happy ending.

You will know he is interested when he holds your gaze. Either he is going to come up and talk to you or he is going to send you a drink. Give him an enticing, but slightly calm smile. Once he is interested you will have to show him what he missed out on all those long lonely nights misspent.. 

The ideal Aphrodisiacs for your partner I have collected and tried and tested... they are just sexy.

Roasted Scallops Wrapped in Prosciutto with a Citrus Sauce

Three ways with Oysters

Lavish Lobster Sandwiches with Avocado

Sensationally Tangy Chicken Livers Served with Hot Crusty Bread

A Tempting Dungeness Crab Salad with Fresh Palm Hearts, Avocado and Shiso Herbs 

Alluring Parma Ham and Ricotta-Walnut Fig Skewers on Rosemary

                                                                                              Sexyily Spiced Mussel Cakes

Eating Sensually

Eating sensually is not just what you eat it’s also how you eat it. When was the last time you leisurely ate a ripe peach, inhaling its tropical fruity scent, adoring its vibrant pinkish hue, nibbling at its tender sweet flesh, and luxuriating in each juicy bite as its sensuous taste filled your mouth? Try to remember the last time you ate any food with such passion.

You will find that when you stop eating once content and go on to perform another activity you may experience many different emotions.  Ask yourself how you feel inside? Do you feel lethargic or happy, satisfied or energised or a combination of other

emotions? Most people lose their awareness regarding their inner self and simply eat to fill a gnawing hunger pang whilst sitting at their desks completing their daily activities without so much as a thought as to what they are eating and how they are eating it, even whether they are tasting it. You may eat disregarding the sensations of taste, texture, fragrance and all the emotions you experience when you eat slowly and mindfully, being more aware of each sensation will empower your inner self to become more satisfied.

This awareness of the body's amazing ability to respond to food sensually is very satisfying.

Eating sensually is about slowing down, engaging in each of your senses to experience the many wonderful nuances of the foods you eat, and sincerely savouring every morsel you put into your mouth. When you choose to be enraptured with what you eat, you will find that you consciously seek out and prepare foods that taste really good to you as an individual.

I would like to entice you to eat mindfully, let me give you a couple of hints.

Ambiance

Get rid of distractions, any that will interfere with the way in which will distract you from the eating process. Light some candles, try setting some fresh flowers nearby or some music you enjoy, scatter cushions onto the floor. When you sit down, take in the atmosphere you created, this will relax you and get you in touch with your senses.

Your Senses

Now you will start to become aware of each one of your senses so take in each and every sense, sight, smell, touch, taste and truly experience each one individually and mindfully. Often you will find that the smell or taste will bring you back to a pleasant memory of your childhood like sitting on a red leather couch next to an open fire, you can smell the leather, the smoky hue of the flames. It may have been at Christmas time sitting on your grandfathers lap while he was sipping Brandy and you were dunking your cinnamon cookies in milk. Let your mind go back and take in each one of these senses. It’s good for future indulgences too.

Taking the first bite

Take a bite, and take it slow. Chew and let each morsel tantalize your lips, tongue. Close your eyes occasionally and fully indulge in the sustenance in your mouth. Savour each and every bite until you have had enough. It is never satisfying to feel so full that you feel lethargic and uncomfortable.  It’s often good to just not have that one last bite.

Taking it Slow

Slowly relish the entire meal till you are comfortable.  Remember you have time. Don’t rush. Just enjoy those sensations.

Satisfaction

After you have indulged and you are satisfied, lean back and reminisce all the sensations you felt, that first bite, really tasting it and enjoying the way it felt when you swallowed and as it went down comforting all the sides of your insides.

If you can do this just on the odd occasion, you will slowly start to enjoy the luxury of eating sensually. You will see that eventually this will become second nature to you...

Aphrodisiacs..

 “An aphrodisiac is a substance which is used in the belief that it increases sexual desire. The name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality. Throughout history, many foods, drinks, and behaviours have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable. However, from a historical and scientific standpoint, the alleged results may have been mainly due to mere belief by their users that they would be effective (i.e., the placebo effect).”

Some aphrodisiacs gain their reputation from the principles of “sympathetic magic”, for example oysters, due to their shape displaying the familiar shape of female genitalia.

Foods – With Aphrodisiac “Powers”

Asparagus 

Perhaps due in part to its phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food.  The Vegetarian Society suggests that for the most powerful effect, it should be eaten for three days.  A great recipe with asparagus is Opulent Asparagus. This recipe also has almonds, for a double boost of aphrodisiac power!

Almonds

These nuts have been a symbol of fertility throughout the ages.  The aroma of the almond is thought to arouse the feelings of passion in a woman.

Avocados  

Ancient civilizations thought the avocados hanging in pairs on the tree resembled male testicles, and as a result, it developed the reputation as a sensuous food.  Try the marinated broccoli and avocado salad!  All you need to do is lightly sauté Bacon in a pan, add broccoli and sprinkle with chili flakes, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a dish placed diced avocado and top with lightly sautéed broccoli, sprinkle with slivered almonds and a sensual drizzle of olive oil

Basil 

Basil is a spice that is used as a flavouring in many dishes.  It is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility.  According to some experts, it also creates a general sense of wellbeing for both the mind and the body, you can imagine because of its pungent aroma .  Serve a warm bowl of creamy cauliflower soup with basil pesto either as an entree for a light late-night meal, or as a first course to a special romantic dinner.

Bananas

Whether bananas made the list due to the phallic shape of the banana flower, or the more practical reasons that they are rich in potassium and B vitamins which are necessities for sex hormone production, the banana has long been considered as an aphrodisiac food. Nothing is better than a warm buttery slice of banana bread fresh out of the oven on a lazy Saturday morning. Try my bacon and banana rolls drizzled in honey. You can make use of your normal banana bread recipe and using a muffin tin or similar place dollops of batter in each groove, sprinkle with finely diced fried bacon bits and bake as usual. About 5 minutes before you remove them from the oven, drizzle some organic dark honey on each one. Once they come out of the muffin pan you can drizzle more honey and roll in chopped walnuts or almonds…

Chocolate 

The Aztecs referred to chocolate as the “nourishment of the Gods”.  People have loved chocolate throughout the centuries.  Recent research is suggesting that chocolate contains chemicals that affect the neurotransmitters in the brain we can all attest that it does affect some parts of our brain in a most magical way.  Research may be backing up the power of this aphrodisiac food!  I enjoy Chocolate best with a good red wine. Chocolate body paint is so much fun, but homemade of course as the bought jar type is just not intense enough. Chocolate ganache is also amazing to dip fruit in or simply your finger.. 

Carrots  

Carrots have been around for centuries and were considered potent to the male. They are high in vitamins and beta-carotene for sure, and this could be all the justification you need to enjoy a piece of spicy carrot cake with bacon bits topped with cream cheese frosting. Again make use of your favorite carrot cake recipe and ensure there are many aromatic aromas added in the form of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, five spice,  ginseng etc. Bake as usual, I prefer little bread moulds. When they come out of the oven, cool and top with cream cheese frosting, scatter with diced fried bacon bits…

Garlic 

Garlic, This spice is known to stir sexual desires, just make sure that you and your partner share it together.  As long as you both enjoy it, you will not notice it on one another’s breath!  I enjoy garlic and find it more opulent when baked in the oven. Simple and tasty is just to oven bake a head of garlic, toast some bruschetta and squeeze the gooey roasted garlic out, smear on the warm bread, drizzle with olive oil and sea salt and black and pink pepper , and it may lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later.

Ginger

  Ginger, the root has been scientifically proven to be a stimulant to the circulatory system. If you are wanting to add some spice to your romantic evening, serve homemade ginger cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.

Honey

Honey , In medieval times, lovers on their "honeymoon" drank mead (a fermented drink made from honey) in order to "sweeten" the marriage.  In Egyptian times, cures for sterility and impotence were based on honey.   Sweeten a slice of honey whole wheat bread with some fresh honey to get your day off to a sweet start.

Liquorice

The Chinese have used Liquorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Chewing on bits of liquorice root is said to enhance love and lust, and is particularly stimulating to woman. My favorite form of Liquorice will have to be a shot of Sambuca Gold...

Erotic

The erotic power of food has been celebrated for centuries. Casanova was said to share oysters with his paramours to whet their sexual appetites. Greek and Roman cultures enjoyed a parade of ripe fruits and exotic dishes before engaging in sensual pleasures. It has even been said that a delicious meal is the quickest way to a man (or woman's) heart. After all, what courtship would be complete without a romantic dinner?

What do you think of when you think of breakfast in bed? Perhaps you are thinking of a nice lazy lie in bed waiting for your bit of special attention whilst getting served in bed with a tray... Nice. It wouldn’t be too bad if the guy serving you happened to be a hot Latino Chef wearing nothing but an apron and a very erotic look in his eye. Now, unless you do not have a hot Latino Chef, try and muster the energy and take your lover to the kitchen, concoct some appetizing aphrodisiacs together just so that you can get naked and work off all that pent up energy. I am going to share my favorite tried and tested breakfasts that will give you a good excuse to stay in bed.... hopefully not alone..