Confucius said...

Sunday, June 29, 2008

I once heard that Confucius believed the most natural needs of human beings are food, sex and more food, in that order. No, this is not a blog about sex; however it is my take on the sensuality of food. The lure of food, the power it holds over every man and woman. My minister once made the comment that "hunger will make a monkey eat pepper." Well, if hunger can do that to a monkey, dare I ask what it can do to a human? It is summertime here in North Carolina , which means it is hot, extremely hot. Usually during the summer season people eat less and drink more. This got me thinking about hot steamy nights, and luscious sexy foods, light, flavorful, just down right charming. What could be prepared that would charm the sweat off a lover?

I started to research foods that entice the senses and there are many, but for this encounter I wanted only the most endearing. I selected eggs, avocado and asparagus. Now this might appear to be an odd combination but hear me out. One of the most delicious egg dishes to start any morning or end any evening is Eggs Benedict. There are multitudes of ways to prepare it, but I suggest the good old fashioned recipe that involved English muffins perfectly toasted with butter, poached eggs, thinly sliced layers of Black Forest smoked ham, and the most decadent Hollandaise recipe you can get your hands on, namely mine. Can you picture it? Hot coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice and baby roses floating in a glass bulb.

So that doesn’t do it for you? Well let’s move on to those pear shaped Goddesses of greenness, the avocado. Guacamole is my preferred way to prepare this fruit. I make a large vat that can be shared and consumed with a variety of sides. Corn chips, fresh vegetables, grilled meats, you name it and guacamole will gracious take its place, not over powering but gentle resting to entice and please. Everyone has their own recipe for guacamole, some add tomatoes to the concoction, while others are purist and just mix a dollop of sour cream or mayo and a bit lemon juice. I, on the other hand, perform a symphony with the little jewels and leave parts of it slightly chunky. Whatever your preference, guacamole is the perfect heat-of -the-moment type dish.

The final selection involves those sexy green legs of the vegetable world, asparagus. It may be an acquired taste for some, and for those with a more mature palate, asparagus is one of the most sinuous food you’ll ever consume. When prepared properly, gently steamed with a bit of salt and fresh squeezed lemon juice, asparagus and a lovely bottle of wine can take you places you have never been before. There are not many foods today that when grown in optimal conditions will yield a delicious flavor; but a true to the heart asparagus farmer will tell you a good crop of asparagus is worth its weight in gold. So the next time you are looking for something sexy to share at the dining table consider these three charmers.