Food

A Pearl of a Delectable
by Karimah Cooper

Spawned from the dismembered genitalia of Uranus, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love arose from the sea on an oyster shell. Although a less than sexy tale, it is believed this association is how the oyster first became equated with the act of love. Prized by humans for both their delectable meat, and their pearls, the oyster’s form has also been regarded as a symbol of sensuality. And, it is said when steamed, this mussel closely resemble the most delicate curves and folds of female genitalia.

But is there any scientific proof this little guy has the potential to get us horizontal and happy as claims? Apparently, there is some validity to the claim. Oysters do in fact contain a high amount of zinc. Zinc plays an important role in the functioning of the human reproductive system and the production of sex hormones. Not to mention the mineral, salt, and glycogen content in these shellfish. The combination of these elements aids in muscle contraction, which in the realm of sex, isn’t just a good thing, but a really, really, great thing.

So, does the little oyster pack enough power to send even the brawniest brute diving for, uh, pearls? You be the judge of that. Even if they don’t prove to get your nature rising, this recipe is sure to arouse your palate.

Oysters Rockerfeller

1/2 Stick Unsalted Butter at room temperature
1/4 Cup Dried Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Scallions sliced
1/4 Cup Celery -- chopped
1 Tablespoon Fresh Tarragon Leaves -- chopped
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper -- to taste
1 Pinch Cayenne Pepper
12 Fresh Oysters -- on the half shell

1. Preheat the broiler. Arrange the broiler rack 3 to 4 inches from the heat.

2. In the container of a food processor, puree the butter, bread crumbs,
scallions, celery, tarragon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until smooth.

3. With a small sharp knife, cut below each oyster to release it from
its shell.

4. Arrange each oyster in its shell on a baking sheet. Spread some of
the butter on each oyster.

5. Broil just until golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

Yield: 2 servings

Passion Platter
by Sara Agosa

One passion fruit
One star fruit
One cherry
One banana
Two watermelons
Rose petals

Sprinkle rose petals on the platter. Cut up the passion fruit and star fruit and arrange neatly. Place the banana and cherry near the watermelons in the middle. Dash with a touch of love.

Food has played an influential role in our sexual identity since the beginning of time. The ancients created love potions and prescribed certain foods to enhance sexual urges and drives. The adage “a woman wins a man’s heart through his stomach” has inspired women throughout the ages to master the fine art of cooking. Romance, in our culture, is equated with candlelight dinners and small chocolates wrapped in colorful packages. The function of food--specifically its taste--is such an important element in our concept of romanticism that even condoms and other sexual items come in exotic flavors in a tawdry attempt to satisfy our voracious appetites.

Even in this modern age of microwave entrees and pre-packaged food stuffs, there is still something so magical about sharing a well-prepared and home-cooked meal with a significant other. It’s as though love is a special ingredient that invokes the deepest, most sacred, and primordial urges in our human experience. The recipe of passionate living then, is a favorite among those who, like our ancient mothers and fathers, endlessly enjoy tasting the forbidden fruit.