Here is a great collection of sexy foods filled with Latino flavors and ingredients the will be sure to get you in the mood para El Día del Cariño o El Día de los Enamorados.
What you eat directly influences your body and your bodily functions. The food you consume may affect your hormones, brain chemistry and energy and stress levels. Some foods have psychoactive properties while others arouse because they are psychologically suggestive and some can actually increase blood flow. All of these things could have an aphrodisiac effect.
Latino foods are characterized for being full of sabor and many of the ingredients used in Latin American cuisine are considered aphrodisiacs. Regardless of the ingredients or what you choose to cook , when planning a romantic evening the most important thing is cooking with love. I truly believe that when you put passion in your cooking the food not only tastes better but that passion and love you put into it is picked by the palate of those who eat the meal.
Don’t forget to accompany your romantic dinner with some of our Sexy Latino Valentine’s Cocktails and set the mood with some Salsa music. Nothing better to get the blood flowing and work up an appetite than dancing.
Appetizer: Chipotle Oysters
To start off a romantic Valentine’s dinner we recommend the Chipotle Oysters as an appetizer. Oysters have always been considered an a sensual food, add some chipotle and you will surely increse the heat on this delicious dish. Find the recipe for Chipotle Oysteres HERE.
Aphrodisiacs in This Recipe
Oysters:
Oysters have long been associated with boosting sexual desire, and it’s not just folklore. These shellfish are rich in zinc, a mineral that plays a crucial role in sperm production and hormone regulation, which can naturally enhance libido. Their reputation as an aphrodisiac dates back centuries, making them a staple in romantic meals. Including oysters in garlic recipes can make for a dish that not only tastes delicious but also stirs up some passionate energy.
Garlic:
Garlic has a spicy reputation for stirring passions, and it’s no wonder. Its ability to increase circulation makes it a key ingredient in many garlic recipes designed to set the mood. Historically, Tibetan monks avoided garlic before entering monasteries, fearing it might ignite too much passion. In modern times, garlic’s benefits go beyond flavor—it boosts blood flow, ensuring your body is ready to respond to romantic stimuli.
Chili Peppers:
Chili peppers bring the heat in more ways than one. Capsaicin, the active component in fiery peppers, increases circulation and stimulates nerve endings, heightening sensitivity and physical arousal. Not only do they get your heart rate up, but they also add a kick to garlic recipes that makes them even more exciting. Whether you’re looking to spice up your meal or your night, chili peppers are the perfect addition to your romantic dishes.
Appetizer: Shrimp & Avocado Cocktail
This delicious and fresh appetizer is the perfect way to start that special date with your loved one. Spicy shrimp are paired fresh tomato and avocado salsa. You can get the recipe for Shrimp Avocado Cocktail HERE.
Aphrodisiacs in this recipe
- Avocado: Just by looking at the shape of avocado, you will see the reason why it was associated with sexuality. The Aztecs called the avocado ahuacuatl, or “testicle tree.” They thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled testicles. The Catholic priests in Spain found this fruit so obscenely sexual that they forbade it. On the other side, avocado is rich with folic acid, vitamin B6 and potassium. They are also said to boost immune system.
- Garlic: Long ago, Tibetan monks were not allowed to enter the monastery if they had been eating garlic because of its reputation for stirring up passions. Garlic increases circulation.
- Chili peppers: Capsaicin, a chemical found in fiery peppers, increases circulation to get blood pumping and stimulates nerve endings so you’ll feel more turned on.
Main Dish: Hen in Sweet Pepián Sauce
Gallina en Pepián Dulce is my favorite typical dish from my home country Guatemala. Roughly speaking, pepian is chicken (boiled then lightly fried) served in chocolate sauce. At first look, the recado resembles mole, a sauce known well in Guatemala’s northern neighbor, Mexico. Its flavor, however, is remarkably distinct due to roasted sesame and squash seeds. You can get the complete recipe for Gallina en Pepián Dulce HERE.
Aphrodisiacs in this recipe
- Chocolate: The Mayan civilizations worshipped the Cacao tree and called it “food of the gods.” Rumor has it that the Aztec ruler Montezuma drank 50 goblets of chocolate each day to enhance his sexual abilities. Chocolate contains anandamide, the psyochoactive feel-good chemical, and PEA (phenylethylamine), the “love chemical,” which releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain. PEA is said to help induce feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria. Cacao also contains tryptophan, a key component of the neurotransmitter serotonin known to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.
- Chili peppers: Capsaicin, a chemical found in fiery peppers, increases circulation to get blood pumping and stimulates nerve endings so you’ll feel more turned on.
- Cinnamon: Studies have documented that its warm aroma is incredibly arousing.
Dessert: Espresso Chocolate Souffle
This recipe is light and airy at and at the same time rich and decadent. The perfect combination of chocolate and café to give your Valentine’s dinner a sweet ending. See the recipe for Espresso Chocolate Souffle HERE.
Aphrodisiacs in this recipe
- Chocolate: The Mayan civilizations worshiped the Cacao tree and called it “food of the gods.” Rumor has it that the Aztec ruler Montezuma drank 50 goblets of chocolate each day to enhance his sexual abilities. Chocolate contains anandamide, the psychoactive feel-good chemical, and PEA (phenylethylamine), the “love chemical,” which releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain. PEA is said to help induce feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria. Cacao also contains tryptophan, a key component of the neurotransmitter serotonin known to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.
- Vanilla: This sweet bean mildly stimulates nerves, making sexual sensations feel even better.
- Cinnamon: Studies have documented that its warm aroma is incredibly arousing.
Grilled Bananas with Chocolate Sauce
Bananas are my favorite food. In this recipe they are pair up with a delicious sauce made with Mexican chocolate. Add some vanilla ice cream on the side and mint leaves for garnish and you have the perfect dessert to indulge in, alone or with company. You can get the recipe for Grilled Bananas with Chocolate Sauce HERE.
Aphrodisiacs in this recipe
- Chocolate: The Mayan civilizations worshipped the Cacao tree and called it “food of the gods.” Rumor has it that the Aztec ruler Montezuma drank 50 goblets of chocolate each day to enhance his sexual abilities. Chocolate contains anandamide, the psyochoactive feel-good chemical, and PEA (phenylethylamine), the “love chemical,” which releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain. PEA is said to help induce feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria. Cacao also contains tryptophan, a key component of the neurotransmitter serotonin known to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.
- Bananas: By it shape its connection with sexuality is quite obvious, but you’ll also find that bananas are loaded with potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. It also contains chelating minerals and the bromeliad enzyme, said to enhance the male libido.
- Vanilla: This sweet bean mildly stimulates nerves, making sexual sensations feel even better.
- Cinnamon: Studies have documented that its warm aroma is incredibly arousing.
- Aniseed: Also known as anise, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that you could increase desire by sucking on anise seeds. Aniseed does include estrogenic compounds (female hormones), which have been reported to induce similar effects to testosterone.
Bread with Honey, Almonds and Dried Fruit
This bread is really delicious. Filled with dried fruit and figs it will turn any moment into a sweet moment. See the complete recipe for Bread with Honey, Almonds and Dried Fruit HERE.
Aphrodisiacs in this recipe
- Honey: Sweet, sticky honey is a great source of boron, a trace mineral that helps the body use and metabolize estrogen, the female sex hormone. Studies have shown that this mineral may also enhance testosterone levels in the blood, the hormone responsible for promoting sex drive and orgasm in both men and women. In addition, honey contains B vitamins needed for testosterone, as well as other nutrients, enzymes and phytochemicals.
- Figs: This sexy fruit has long been thought of as an arousing stimulant, and an open fig is believed to emulate the female sex organs. Figs are steeped in history and are one of the oldest-recorded fruits. They are mentioned in the Bible (Adam and Eve wore fig leaves to cover their private parts), are reported to be Cleopatra’s favorite fruit, and the ancient Greeks held them as sacred and associated them with love and fertility.
- Almonds: Through antiquity, almonds were regarded as fertility symbols. The aroma of almond supposedly arouses passion in females — or so thought the poets and scribes. The scientists say that almonds provide high doses of vitamin E, magnesium and even fiber. Therefore, there seems to be something in the almond myths after all.
Hot & Spicy Mexican Chocolate
There is nothing like some hot chocolate to warm you up, add some ground chile and turn it into the perfect drink to heat up any winter night. Get the complete recipe here.
photo credit: RHiNO NEAL via photopin cc
Aphrodisiacs in this recipe
- Chocolate: The Mayan civilizations worshipped the Cacao tree and called it “food of the gods.” Rumor has it that the Aztec ruler Montezuma drank 50 goblets of chocolate each day to enhance his sexual abilities. Chocolate contains anandamide, the psyochoactive feel-good chemical, and PEA (phenylethylamine), the “love chemical,” which releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain. PEA is said to help induce feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria. Cacao also contains tryptophan, a key component of the neurotransmitter serotonin known to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.
- Cinnamon: Studies have documented that its warm aroma is incredibly arousing.
- Chili peppers: Capsaicin, a chemical found in fiery peppers, increases circulation to get blood pumping and stimulates nerve endings so you’ll feel more turned on
I try to post recipes that are either typical dishes from my home country of Guatemala, recipes from other Latin American countries or interesting and fun recipes with ingredients that give them some sabor Latino. If you have any suggestions or would like a specific guatemalan recipe let me know in the comments section.
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Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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