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Though aphrodisiacs have enjoyed, and still do enjoy, high regard in popular culture, the US Food and Drug administration stated that “the reputed sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are based in folklore, not fact". Tamar Nordenberg, a lawyer with the office of the director in FDA's center for Drug Evaluation and Research wrote in FDA Consumer magazine in April 2000: "A good diet and regular exercise program are a more dependable path to better sex than are goats' eyes, deer sperm and frogs' legs. A good mental state is equally important."

Regarding the "mental state", John Renner, founder of the Consumer Health Information Research Institute (CHIRI), said: "The mind is the most potent aphrodisiac there is. It's very difficult to evaluate something someone is taking because if you tell them it's an aphrodisiac, the hope of a certain response might actually lead to an additional sexual reaction."

I make no promises about the following recipes, except that they are delicious.  However, I have found that the act of cooking a special dish can lead my significant other to expressing her appreciation in a very loving fashion.

 

Chocolate Fondue

1 package dark chocolate pieces
1 pint ripe strawberries (smaller berries are generally sweeter)
1 ounce Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or other liqueur

Carefully melt the chocolate in a double boiler or fondue pot.  Do not overheat or the chocolate will scorch.  Wash, destem, and dry the strawberries.  Mix the liqueur into the molten chocolate.  Dip the berries, one at a time, into the chocolate mix and share with your significant other.

 

The Czar’s Potatoes

1 dozen new red potatoes
1 tablespoon melted butter
2/3 cup sour cream
2 to 3 ounces caviar
1 or 2 fresh lemons

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Coat the potatoes with the butter and bake on a baking sheet until tender, about 30-45 minutes.  (You can also bake the potatoes in a microwave for about 15 to 20 minutes.)  Let the potatoes cool slightly until you can comfortably handle them or use an oven mitt. Cut the potatoes in half and scoop out about a teaspoon of pulp from each half.  Fill the halves with teaspoon sour cream, top with the caviar and a squeeze of lemon. For color, mix red and black caviar.

 

Mermaid Kisses

1 dozen shucked Chesapeake Bay select oysters
2 to 3 slices meaty bacon

Drain the oysters and cut the bacon into strips large enough to wrap around the oysters.  Secure the bacon around the oysters with a wooden toothpick.  Place the oysters in a broiler pan.  Place the pan in a preheated broiler for about 3 minutes, until the bacon is crisp, turning the oysters about halfway through.  Instead of oysters, you can also use mussels, scallops, clams, or cooked shrimp, but oysters have the reputation.

 

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