Of goddesses, kings and saintly clerics
By Jody Stump
Romans celebrated as their first day of spring Feb. 15th with the festival of LupercaliaWolves Day. The date coincided with the return of the migratory songbirds that mated for life. In the spirit of conjugal fidelity, all young women of marriageable age embroidered their names on ribbons and placed them in a basket on Lupercalia Eve. At midnight, each young man plucked a scrap to wear on his sleeve throughout the festival. The youth of Rome were to choose and marry for life.
Around 270 A.D., however, the Emperor Claudius noticed that married men made bad soldiers. He banned weddings. Sympathizing with the plight of young lovers, one young cleric celebrated the ceremony in secret. One Lupercalia Eve, Claudius had him beheaded. His name? Valentine.
Today, lovers celebrate still-and for most, the festivities include a romantic repast. This year, why not make it one designed to heighten your pleasure as well? Certain foods have been associated with a lovers’ union since long before Claudius condemned it and, although the FDA issued a recent report insisting there was nothing to aphrodisiacs, here are a few flavors worth considering:
Almond: A very ancient myth tells us that an almond dropped in a princess’ lap was the world’s first mortal king. This fertility symbol was served as a passion-producer for young Roman brides.
Avocado: Some plants inspire aphrodisiac fantasies on botany alone. The drooping fruit conjured comparisons to the Aztecs’ male physique and a firm belief in form following function.
Banana: An Islamic myth insists that Adam and Eve covered their nakedness with banana leaves rather than fig and the fruit’s shape contributes to a universe of ribald jokes. However, it seems that form follows function. Bananas are a rich source of potassium and B vitamins, essential nutrients in the production of sex hormones.
Chile: Taste aside, the Kama Sutra claims the heat stimulates a man’s sexual desire and the potency of his seed.
Chocolate: Another Aztec observation, this time based on chemistry as well as the bean pod’s form. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that turns off the sadness neurotransmitters in the brain. With strong antioxidants and another meltingly luscious texture, chocolate is the holiday’s most persistent culinary pleasure.
Garlic: An ancient cure for everything from vampires to the common cold, this allium’s “heat” is said to cure impotence and was chewed by Roman soldiers to increase their battle courage. Shared in moderation, “stinkweed” might be just the spice your evening needs.
Honey: Sacred to goddesses, no ancient seduction was complete without its sweetness and slippery stickiness.
Licorice: While Aztec kings downed gallons of chile-spiked chocolate, Chinese emperors were plying their concubines with chunks of licorice root. Fifty times sweeter than honey, it was said to stimulate equally dulcet evenings on the couch. The Kama Sutra even includes a recipe for milk-laced licorice syrup.
Vanilla: Mayan legend gives us a feminine counterpart to the Aztec’s myths of chocolate with a charming tale of Xanat, the divine daughter of a goddess. In love with a mortal, she turned herself into the most fragrant of jungle orchids to lie beside him and give him every year the fruit of their union, a long, seed-filled bean.
BANANAS APHRODISIAS
A Bananas Foster designed for lovers
Serves 2
2 ripe bananas
2 Tbs. butter
1 Tbs. dark brown sugar
1 1/ 2 Tbs. Chipotle Jam*
2 Tbs. honey
3 Tbs. dark rum
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Chocolate Sauce (see below)
1. Peel and slice bananas lengthwise.
2. Over medium-high heat, toss the bananas with butter and sugar until well-coated. Stir in the jam and honey, and then, very carefully, deglaze the pan with the rum.
Serve: Bananas topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Mmmmmmm!
Chocolate Sauce
4 ounces great bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/ 2 Tbs. water
2 Tbs. butter
1. Melt chocolate in a ceramic bowl over simmering hot water.
2. Remove from heat and stir in butter and water. Keep warm.
* The smoky sweet flavor of Chipotle Jam is addictive. It’s available Sundays at the Palisades Farmer’s Market or call Jimmie at 1.800.386.6763.