There are many things you can do to bring the romance to your marriage. Eating a meal together is certainly one of those activities. Sharing a meal is very bonding. Why not take it a step further and add romance to your marriage by cooking together.
I invited Susan Conley on from Cook the Stone to share with us her tips. Here’s what she has to say-
Learn some tips on how to seduce your partner with cooking. And learn two recipes that you can make or serve for your partner.
Cooking and romance may seem like two completely different topics. But do you know that cooking is an activity that can connect couples on a more intimate level? While some people may cringe at the thought of preparing a meal with their partners, the truth is that it can really help strengthen relationships.
This was the findings of a study conducted by Dr. John Gray, a well-known relationship expert. Dr. Gray noted that 70 per cent of married couples like to cook together. These surveyed couples are also satisfied in all areas of their lives, compared to couples who don’t cook together.
The said study only reinforces what I have always believed in—that cooking can make or break a relationship. And did someone wise tell us that ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?’
That said, here are some pointers to consider if you want to make cooking in the kitchen more romantic:
1. Set the mood
You can’t expect your partner to be in a romantic mood if there are the usual sources of distraction like the TV. Turn off the TV and the computer screen, as well as your tablet or laptop. Instead, set the romantic scene by having the usual suspects—candles, flowers, and light music.
2. Choose light meals
Eating heavy meals like steak may make you and your partner filled but it won’t likely set the mood for a romantic dinner. Heavy foods don’t really boost one’s libido.
What foods should you prepare or share together? I recommend fruits and vegetables as these can boost circulation and one’s sex drive. Seafood is also lighter compared to protein-rich meats like pork and beef.
Finger foods aren’t a bad choice either. It would let you play with your food, which can be very seductive.
3. Decorate your food
Decorating your food is another way to seduce your partner. You can decorate cakes with dried petals and buds of roses. These can be used in savory dishes as well. Look for crystallized petals with a sugar coating.
4. Don’t forget the aphrodisiac foods
In choosing the foods you’ll prepare, I suggest that you consider incorporating aphrodisiacs like chili peppers. Chilli peppers can put you in the mood for some lovin’ by stimulating the endorphins, or the feel-good chemicals of the brain. Chilli peppers also speed up the heart rate and make you sweaty, which is how most of us feel when we are aroused.
Other aphrodisiacs are bananas, oysters, honey, watermelon, and chocolate. And after the meal, don’t forget to serve coffee, a proven stimulant that improves blood flow and put women in the mood for lovemaking.
5. Consider these recipes
Still clueless on the dishes to cook for or together with your partner? Don’t worry as I will be sharing with you some recipes that you can prepare for a romantic dinner.
Oysters with ceviche toppings
This recipe features oysters and serrano chile, both well-known aphrodisiacs. It is easy to make, taking only half an hour. It yields about 12 oysters.
Ingredients:
- 12 oysters
- A teaspoon of coriander seeds
- ¼ cup of Asian pear
- Quarter cup of cucumber
- One tablespoon of cilantro
- One teaspoon of Asian fish sauce
- One teaspoon of candied ginger
- One serrano chile
- One tablespoon of fresh lime juice
- One teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
- Pepper
- Kosher salt
Step by step guide
- Toast the coriander seeds in a small skillet placed over moderate heat. This should take around two minutes, or until the seeds become fragrant. Let it cool before crushing the seeds in a mortar.
- Mix the crushed coriander seeds in a small bowl with the other ingredients save for the oysters.
- Arrange the oysters on crushed ice. Top them with the coriander seed mixtures before serving right away.
Seared tilapia with zucchini
Seafood and vegetables form part of this yummy recipe that you and your partner can prepare for a romantic dinner. It would take about 25 minutes and make four servings.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pound of zucchini
- Four small tilapia fillets
- Ground black pepper
- Three tablespoons of olive oil
- One lemon, sliced
- Two cloves of garlic, sliced
- One tablespoon of capers
- Half cup of flat leaf parsley, chopped
Step by step guide:
- Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the baking sheet with a nonstick foil.
- Cut the zucchini into thin sticks. Transfer this to the baking sheet.
- Toss one tablespoon of olive oil and a quarter teaspoon of salt and pepper. Roast the zucchini for 15 minutes. Increase the heat and continue to cook until it becomes golden brown in color. This should take another 4 minutes.
- While waiting for the zucchini to get cooked, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet placed over medium-high heat. Season the tilapia with a quarter teaspoon of salt and pepper.
- Cook until the fish is opaque throughout. This should take about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with the garlic, lemon, and capers. Cook by stirring occasionally or until the garlic is golden brown.
- Toss with parsley then spoon over the fish. Serve with zucchini.
