Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Delicious Details

Theme: Foods for Lovers
Guests:

6
Starter:
Poached Oysters and Artichokes with Champagne Cream
Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein and zinc and thus excellent for men's reproductive health and endurance. Casanova, the legend goes, would eat 50 raw oysters for breakfast. In Greek times, it was believed that artichokes were not only aphrodisiacs but also ensured the birth of sons.
Bread:
Homemade Honey-Butter French Bread & Frommage Fort
Who doesn't love fresh bread, and when you top it with our cheesy spread you'll feel like falling in love.
Main Course:
Barely Cooked Salmon with Parmesan Polenta and Mushroom Consomme
Here, salmon is poached simply in salt water and served very rare with mushrooms and a mushroom broth, along with creamy polenta. The polenta adds a starch that the salmon needs, but it is also delicate and won't overwhelm the flavors of the fish.
Dessert:
Chocolate Ravioli in a Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce
The Aztecs referred to chocolate as "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to affect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. We just think it tastes good...
Board Game:
No game due to excellent conversation and considerable amounts of alcohol.

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