A Season of Sensual & Sexy Cooking

Miss chocolate praline Entices the taste buds like a cocoa bean Her heart a melting brown middle To be nibbled, to be savoured, to be damned With the last piece, the ultimate torment A dazzling display under her tin foil dress

Miss chocolate praline Lets teeth sink into her body Her gingerbread neighbours are jealous A caramel is a little too gooey Her striking flavours, leaving you tongue-tied Her warm liquid, sticky and sweet on the palate

Nathalie Brule (Translated from the French)

Ahhh… the erotic power of food; acknowledged and celebrated for centuries. One historical legend says that Casanova shared oysters with his paramours to whet their sexual appetites. Both Greek and Roman cultures enjoyed a parade of ripe fruits and exotic dishes before engaging in sensual pleasures and many of us have bought into the idea that a delicious meal is one of the quickest ways to a man (or woman’s) heart.

After all, what courtship would be complete without a romantic dinner? But can one turn the very act of cooking and eating into a sensual affair? Given that we are at that time of year, when food and feasting is at an all time high, perhaps this a great time to take your sexual adventure to a new frontier - sensual (or sensory) cooking.

According to chef Linda Arsenault, sensual cooking is “cooking full of feelings and emotions, nourished by a scented bubble bath, a relaxing massage, sexy music, a titillating cocktail and an inviting meal, accompanied by good wine and a lover most definitely!” Arsenault, further describes this affair as cooking made for two, in which all five senses - touch, hearing, smell, taste and sight - are evoked before, during and after the meal. There must be a blending of sensation and passion.

And what about the ingredients that aphrodisiacs you ask? Well, the sexology world has not had the final say on those, (though delightful anecdotes, many rumours and some hopeful sparkles exists! Lol!), but the menu would most certainly include them. Certain products are considered aphrodisiacs for hundreds of years due to their nutritional composition, while others have acquired this status because of their shape or texture.

The fact is, though, nutrition plays a vital role in love and love-making. The quality or content of our diet has a great deal to do with the quality of our sexual activity and experience. Many nutritious foods can stir libido, revive sexual function and enhance overall health, especially when presented and served in a sensual way. Others, can impair sexual function.

Fresh fruits are considered as sensual as they are nutritious. These include bananas, cherries, coconut, figs, grapes, mangoes, papayas, pears, plums, pomegranates, and strawberries, which are celebrated in erotic literature throughout the world.

The avocado, is considered by some to be undeniably sensual — so much so that the Spanish conquistadors helped spread its reputation throughout the world as a powerful stimulant. The juicy tomato, or “love apple,” a potent source of the powerhouse antioxidant, lycopene, was once a highly sought-after sex drive enhancer.

Even though beets may not look very sexy, information seems to suggest that they influence the production of sexual hormones! Deep, cold-water fish like cod fuel the body, the brain and sex drive. Oysters, are rich in zinc and iodine. Zinc, a vital sexual nutriment, is essential for testosterone production in men and women. Lean proteins and lean meat should be organic, to avoid hormones, antibiotics and other additives which affect the body’s overall health and functioning.

On the other hand, I’m sure you’ve noticed that fried foods and rich cream sauces can leave us feeling more sluggish than sexy. And please note well, that highly processed foods, excessive salt, sugar and saturated fat, are linked to difficulty reaching orgasm and lack of interest in sex.

But let’s get back to the art of sensual cooking. The affair should start with a prelude to actual cooking that involves the body and touch. So, sensual massage, shaving your partner’s body, edible body treats, luxurious and relaxing baths and other spa-like treatments. Follow up with love potions: drinks and cocktails that tantalise the taste buds, warm the body, awaken the senses and inspire love.

Cement the mood with sexy music. Next, prepare the appetisers, the main meal and desserts, using aphrodisiac ingredients, while you take occasional sips of wine. This prep must be done with passion, along with flirting, teasing and other ‘naughty’ things. Indulge in a procession of seductive recipes, with names like “Hot Beef Injection,” “Fondlers Fondue,” and “Hanky Panky Pork.” Top it off with desserts like “Ladyfinger Strokes.” There you have it. A food affair guaranteed to leave to leave you satisfied on many levels. Bon app?tit! Onika Henry is a Tobago-based trained Sex Educator (M.Ed. Human Sexuality) and a Certified Sex Coach. She designs and implements workshops, training and psycho-educational counselling, to address sexual health concerns.

Contact: Tobago: 381-3049.

Trinidad (Wholeness and Wellness Counselling Office): 347-1042.