THE KISS. IT’S THE NAME OF MY FAVORITE painting and my favorite experience. The most important one is that first kiss. It can make or break a relationship. You either feel it or you don’t. Kissing is one way to “feel it” while still behaving like a lady or a gentleman.
Because I am The Kitchen Vixen, people don’t automatically think “soft and sweet” but instead expect leather and lace and recipes for attracting sex. I often get asked for advice about the best aphrodisiacs. An aphrodisiac is anything that is believed to increase sexual desire. It could be an object, beverage or food.
Oysters are one of the best known aphrodisiacs. Their popularity grew out of their shape. Look at an oyster and you’ll see what I mean.
Oysters also happen to be the richest source of zinc from any one food source. Zinc is a primary ingredient, so-to-speak, in the production of sperm. Perhaps that is the reason men claim to be affected by oysters.
Aphrodisiacs initially gained recognition during ancient times when food was scarce, nutrition was poor and libidos were low. Associations were drawn between certain foods and increased sex drive and voila — magic potions for love.
While working as a diabetes educator, a national news company interviewed me about aphrodisiac claims. I remember telling the interviewer that I often saw married male patients only when they were not able to fulfill all of their husbandly duties. When diabetes affects that aspect of life, it has gone uncontrolled for far too long. On the plus side, at least something was motivating them to change.
I became a diabetes educator because I felt that the way I would teach diabetes sufferers to eat is the way I would teach everyone to eat. The misconception about diabetes is that eating too much sugar or processed carbs causes the disease. In reality, diabetes is genetic. It presents itself, more or less, when someone is inactive. The muscle cells become lazy and do not use sugar the way they should. Yes, reducing processed carbs and sugars will definitely help, but activity is the best medicine of all.
Aside from being active, and this goes for everyone, eat a diet loaded with colorful, antioxidant rich fruits, vegetables and heart-healthy fats. These are the foods that might protect us all from chronic diseases and the ever thwarting signs of aging.
Try this aphrodisiac salad with all of those coveted nutrients including zinc from pine nuts (a source less obvious than oysters) along with fresh berries (a.k.a. fruit nipples) and arugula, which was known throughout ancient times as Rocket! Don’t forget dark chocolate. Women know of its powers. Men, you will have to give some to your lady and judge the results for yourself.
Whether your meal is meant to win a heart, steal a smooch or solicit a night of unbridled passion, just remember, its all about the K.I.S.S.— Keep It Simple Sweetie. This recipe is so simple, light, yet satisfying. You’ll have plenty of energy for whatever transpires.
ELIZABETH BROWN is on a mission to save the world-one energy enhancing, disease fighting recipe at a time. See her in action creating this recipe on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheKitchenVixen. You can also hear her each week at www.TheWeekendWorkout.com or 8-9 p.m. every Sunday night on radio station KLAA 830 AM. For more information contact her at
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 31, 2008. Read the original PDF.