Hiking with friends, sweating through a yoga class, or playing a rousing game of soccer can burn a few calories, we all know there are more…satisfying ways to work up an appetite (wink, wink). These sports of the bedroom variety may just leave you wandering into the kitchen at odd hours of the night or morning for something of substance to nibble (not to imply that your lover’s earlobes aren’t substance enough, but you know what I mean).

Not So Innocent

This is where Midnight Asparagus comes in. This brilliant dish is the perfect midnight snack for two. Be forewarned, however: as you’ll recall from previous posts, asparagus is an aphrodisiac, which means that this seemingly innocent snack may actually lead to another round. Think you’ve got what it takes? If not, the second major ingredient in this fabulously delicious recipe, eggs, may just give you a hand. Eggs are also considered aphrodisiacs and, as the source of new life, they are the ultimate fertility symbol. They’re also packed with protein, zinc, and B vitamins that will fuel your libido, balance your hormones, and nourish your body…so with Midnight Asparagus in your culinary arsenal, you just may be ready for another round.

Easy Does It

This recipe is extremely easy to make, even for those who are a little foggy-headed due to lust or lack of sleep. Simply coat a sauté pan with a little olive oil, slice some asparagus, crack a few eggs, throw it all in the oven, and you’ve got yourself a scrumptious midnight snack. Your only challenge may be deciding whether to polish off every last morsel before returning to the bedroom. What could be better than the two of you sneaking a bite together under cover of night, perhaps clothed and perhaps not, feeding each other in the dim light when everyone else is asleep…pure heaven.

Enjoy!

Note: Recipe from http://www.splendidtable.org/

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Preparing Your Own Aphrodisiac Dinner

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Tanya has been known to write recipes on napkins, receipts, and Post-it notes, but has stopped short of having recipes tattooed to her derrière, though her favorites have left their mark there anyway.

Some Like It Hot

Whether you’re seeking refuge from scorching temperatures outside or want to see the mercury rising in the bedroom, try reaching for something spicy to snack on. While it may seem counterintuitive to eat hot food when the heat index is soaring, there’s really something to this connection. In fact, the world’s spiciest cuisines originate in the hottest climates – think India, Thailand, and Mexico. The spice more often than not traces to some sort of pepper. As it turns out, capsaicin — the chemical that gives peppers their heat — stimulates circulation, bringing blood to the surface of the skin. It also causes you to sweat and both of these cause the core body temperature to drop, making you feel cooler.  Somewhat paradoxically, even as capsaicin works to cool you off, it will also heat up your sex drive. Hot peppers may just be as close as nature gets to Viagra!

You Can’t Tell How Hot ‘Til You Try

In honor of the little miracle that is capsaicin, try cooking up some hot and spicy pico de gallo quesadillas. This recipe is not only healthy and mouthwatering, but it’s also fun to make either with or for that hot man or woman in your life. To top it off, you can tailor the recipe in countless ways: make it vegetarian; substitute beef, black beans, or crab meat for the chicken; serve with a side of guacamole; add even more zing and spice with your favorite salsa…see what amazing creations you can concoct to tantalize and tease your taste buds (and, perhaps more importantly, the taste buds of that tasty someone sitting across from you at the table).

An ideal finger food, quesadillas make for a great informal meal or appetizer. As a refreshing side dish, slice some fresh watermelon and jicama (a refreshing root vegetable known as the “Mexican yam” with a high water content and delicious crunch) and sprinkle with a little lime juice. Mix up a few margaritas and you’ve got yourself one sizzlin’ date.

Maybe a quick explanation of what this is?

Enjoy!

A note of caution: Be extremely careful when handling hot peppers. Do not touch your eyes or other sensitive body parts without first washing. If cooking with the super-hot habanera pepper, it’s a good idea to use gloves if you have some on hand.

Pico de Gallo Chicken Quesadillas 

Serves 2

• 1 tomato, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• ½ habanera pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half, cut into strips
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 (12-inch) flour tortillas
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• sour cream, for topping

1. In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, habanera, salt and pepper. Set
   aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat ½ tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken and sauté until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Put the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil in the hot skillet and sauté the sliced onion and green pepper until tender. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until the aroma is strong. Mix in half of the pico de gallo and chicken breast meat. Set aside; keep warm.
4. In a heavy skillet, heat one flour tortilla. Spread a handful of shredded cheese on the tortilla and top with half the chicken mixture. Sprinkle another handful of cheese over the chicken and top with another tortilla. When bottom tortilla is lightly brown and cheese has started to melt, flip quesadilla and cook on the opposite side. Remove quesadilla from skillet and cut into quarters. Serve quesadillas with sour cream and remaining pico de gallo.

Classic Margarita

Serves 2

• 1/2 of a 6-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate
• 3 fluid ounces tequila
• 1 fluid ounce triple sec

1. Fill blender with crushed ice. Pour in limeade concentrate, tequila and triple sec. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour into glasses and serve.

Play This DiscoveryGame – discover yourself and your partner on a sexual, emotional and intellectual level and have fun while doing it.

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Tanya has been known to write recipes on napkins, receipts, and Post-it notes, but has stopped short of having recipes tattooed to her derrière, though her favorites have left their mark there anyway.

Set the Night on Fire

There’s something irresistible about a summer evening — especially a summer evening sitting next to your honey in front of a blazing bonfire under the twinkling stars. Who could refuse rosy cheeks aglow in warm firelight, chilling ghost stories, laughs, cuddles, and maybe even a chorus of chirping crickets or crashing waves to enhance the ambiance. The romance factor couldn’t get any higher. With just a smidge of preparation, you’ll have the makings of a memorable date that’ll be tough to top.

S’mores Are for Grown-Ups Too

Even relaxing around a campfire can make you hungry, so don’t forget to pack for making s’mores. You may associate this sticky sweet treat with childhood times spent with family or at summer camp, and this is exactly what makes it so appealing. What better way to unwind with your special someone than with a little carefree, old-fashioned fun. Whether you’re just getting to know each other or have officially entered the ranks as an old married couple, s’mores will bring out a playful side of your partner you may rarely see. Not to mention that toasting marshmallows and getting melted chocolate all over your face and fingers could easily lead to a make-out session. Grown-up s’mores do have a little going for them!

You’ll Want S’more

There are so many ways to indulge in the fun of s’mores:  as part of an overnight backpacking or camping adventure, as part of an evening spent at the fire pit of a local park or beach, or even in the privacy of your own backyard. Whatever the case, if a fire is involved, be safe by following proper fire etiquette and obeying any fire

bans. If the weather is rainy or you’d rather not venture out, you can even make s’mores at home by broiling the marshmallows in your oven. With some imagination, this option is as good as being outside (and maybe better because the bedroom is just steps away). It also allows you to experiment with a few delicious gourmet s’mores recipes (see below for more). Wherever and whenever you decide to indulge, s’mores are a fun summer treat that shouldn’t be missed!

Basic S’mores Recipe:

• chocolate bars
• large marshmallows
• graham crackers

1. Toast marshmallows over fire using long skewers or sticks.
2. Place warm gooey marshmallows atop a chunk of chocolate and sandwich both between two graham crackers.
3. Smoosh s’more until it fits into your mouth.
4. Repeat

Gourmet S’mores Recipes:

Caramel Rocky Road S’mores

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cup flour
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 4 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 (12 oz.) package chocolate chips
• 1 cup walnuts (optional)
• 1 bag of caramels
• 1/4 cup milk

1. Beat butter and sugar together, add flour and graham cracker crumbs.
2. Press into greased 9″x13″ pan. Sprinkle mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and walnuts on top of crust.
3. Melt bag of caramels with milk and pour on top of the marshmallows, chips and crust.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Recipe from: www.cooks.com

Frozen S’mores

• 1 whole graham cracker
• 1 -2 teaspoon marshmallow cream (or liquid marshmallow ice cream topping)
• 1 -2 teaspoon miniature chocolate chip
• 1/4-1/3 cup vanilla ice cream
• wooden pop stick (optional)

1. Break graham cracker in half.
2. Spread one half with marshmallow cream and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
3. Top with ice cream and remaining graham cracker half.
4. Push a popsicle stick into ice cream, if desired.
5. Freeze until set up before eating, or it will be messy.
6. Optional: Dip halfway into melted chocolate and then refreeze.

Recipe from: www.food.com

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Take your lover on a tasting tour of exotic Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is bursting with vibrant colors, sultry combinations, and sensual textures. There is no better place to whisk your lover away for a culinary adventure of hot, sweet, sour, salty, and any number of mysterious flavors. Close your eyes, inhale the exquisite aromas, and prepare for pure pleasure.

Traveling is a wonderful way to bond with your partner. Trying novel things together creates lasting memories and reveals things you never knew about one another. These circumstances create a state of arousal that can make sparks fly and ignite your passion anew. The best news is you don’t have to bother with planes, trains, and automobiles to reap these fabulous benefits. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home. Your ticket is food, which embodies the rhythms of life and culture like nothing else. An open mind and a willingness to try don’t hurt either.

For this dinner menu, you have official permission to order in the main course. There’s something appealing – and maybe even suggestive — about ordering in. It means a comfortable night at home, nothing to fuss over, and a lot fewer dishes to wash – and that’s just the beginning. If you’ve never eaten with chopsticks before, it can be fun and funny – give it a try. For dessert, we’re serving up a recipe that is so easy to prepare and so packed with healthy nutrients, you’ll want to pass it on to your grandchildren. It features mangos and coconuts, which nicely balance, cool, and complement the intense flavors that are likely to precede it.  

Mangos are one sexy fruit. Their musky odor, plentiful sweet juices, and deep golden flesh are not for the faint of heart. Known as “the king of fruits,” the mango in native to India where the tree is a symbol of love and the leaves are gifted at weddings to ensure fertility. Rich in vitamins C, A, and E and the minerals potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, the fruit will also ensure a healthy life for the whole family. This dessert also features coconut milk, which is a libido-booster. Coconut delivers a host of health benefits, including immune system support and the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels.

To learn more about mangos, click here. To learn more about coconut, click here.

Recipe(s):

For the main course, find the best Southeast Asian restaurant in your area and/or one you’ve never tried before. Think Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese, and Indian. Call the restaurant and order whatever they recommend as the two best dishes on their menu. Trust them – they know. Most Southeast Asian cooking offers vegetarian, seafood, red meat, and poultry options. Odds are you’ll like at least one of the two dishes you order. Use chopsticks. If your area doesn’t have any of these restaurants, try the ethnic food or freezer sections of your local supermarket. Be adventurous and try a cuisine you’ve never had before. You just might fall in love.

For dessert, whip up the sensational Mangos and Sticky Rice, a recipe that hails from Thailand. Who could resist this silky, sweet, salty, sticky to-die-for treat. Enjoy!

Mangos and Sticky Rice

This recipe makes enough for two generous portions.

1 cup sticky rice
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons very thick coconut milk
2 ripe mangos, peeled and cut into thick slices

1. Cook the sticky rice.

2. Combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a bowl and when the rice is cooked to the paddling stage add this mixture and mix well. Put the rice in a bowl, cover with a cloth and a lid and set aside for 20-30 minutes.

3. Unmold the rice into the center of a plate, spooning the very thick coconut milk on top. Surround with thick slices of ripe mango.

Notes: You can find canned coconut milk in most supermarkets or online through ethnic food suppliers. Recipe adapted from Southeast Asian Food by Rosemary Brissenden (Periplus, 2007).

Tanya | Sunstone Editorial. Tanya has been known to write recipes on napkins, receipts, and Post-it notes, but has stopped short of having recipes tattooed to her derrière, though her favorites have left their mark there anyway.

Tantalizing Tokii Reads – to make relationship work into fun.

Touch base with Tokii. Get Together. Get Talking. Get Intimate. Join Tokii Today! Like Tokii on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter. Get inspired with Tokii Pinterest, Get a behind the scenes look at Tokii on Instagram.

Tanya has been known to write recipes on napkins, receipts, and Post-it notes, but has stopped short of having recipes tattooed to her derrière, though her favorites have left their mark there anyway.

Take your lover on a tasting tour of exotic Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is bursting with vibrant colors, sultry combinations, and sensual textures. There is no better place to whisk your lover away for a culinary adventure of hot, sweet, sour, salty, and any number of mysterious flavors. Close your eyes, inhale the exquisite aromas, and prepare for pure pleasure.

Travelling is a wonderful way to bond with your partner. Trying novel things together creates lasting memories and reveals things you never knew about one another. These circumstances create a state of arousal that can make sparks fly and ignite your passion anew. The best news is you don’t have to bother with planes, trains, and automobiles to reap these fabulous benefits. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home. Your ticket is food, which embodies the rhythms of life and culture like nothing else. An open mind and a willingness to try don’t hurt either.

For this dinner menu, you have official permission to order in the main course. There’s something appealing – and maybe even suggestive — about ordering in. It means a comfortable night at home, nothing to fuss over, and a lot fewer dishes to wash – and that’s just the beginning. If you’ve never eaten with chopsticks before, it can be fun and funny – give it a try. For dessert, we’re serving up a recipe that is so easy to prepare and so packed with healthy nutrients, you’ll want to pass it on to your grandchildren. It features mangos and coconuts, which nicely balance, cool, and complement the intense flavors that are likely to precede it.  

Mangos are one sexy fruit. Their musky odor, plentiful sweet juices, and deep golden flesh are not for the faint of heart. Known as “the king of fruits,” the mango in native to India where the tree is a symbol of love and the leaves are gifted at weddings to ensure fertility. Rich in vitamins C, A, and E and the minerals potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, the fruit will also ensure a healthy life for the whole family. This dessert also features coconut milk, which is a libido-booster. Coconut delivers a host of health benefits, including immune system support and the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels.

To learn more about mangos, visit http://www.mango.org/. To learn more about coconut, visit http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/.

For the main course, find the best Southeast Asian restaurant in your area and/or one you’ve never tried before. Think Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese, and Indian. Call the restaurant and order whatever they recommend as the two best dishes on their menu. Trust them – they know. Most Southeast Asian cooking offers vegetarian, seafood, red meat, and poultry options. Odds are you’ll like at least one of the two dishes you order. Use chopsticks. If your area doesn’t have any of these restaurants, try the ethnic food or freezer sections of your local supermarket. Be adventurous and try a cuisine you’ve never had before. You just might fall in love.

For dessert, whip up the sensational Mangos and Sticky Rice, a recipe that hails from Thailand. Who could resist this silky, sweet, salty, sticky to-die-for treat. Enjoy!

This recipe makes enough for two generous portions.

• 1 cup sticky rice
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons very thick coconut milk
• 2 ripe mangos, peeled and cut into thick slices

1. Cook the sticky rice.

2. Combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a bowl and when the rice is cooked to the paddling stage add this mixture and mix well. Put the rice in a bowl, cover with a cloth and a lid and set aside for 20-30 minutes.

3. Unmold the rice into the center of a plate, spooning the very thick coconut milk on top. Surround with thick slices of ripe mango.

Tanya has been known to write recipes on napkins, receipts, and blank book pages but has stopped short of tattooing her favorites on her derriere.

Love Potion #9

It’s time to mix up some Love Potion #9 for relaxing, delighting, and all-around spoiling that special someone in your life. Though edible, this love potion (an aphrodisiac massage oil) is more about aroma and touch than food and eating. Whether you’re gifting a massage to your partner, or giving and receiving from one another, there are few more caring, indulgent ways to show your love. Massage is not only intimate — it also offers loads of health benefits, from improving circulation and immune response to reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.

The Potion

This edible aphrodisiac massage oil contains three potent essential oils. Clary sageis a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. Its aroma boosts libido, reduces stress, and facilitates relaxation. Native to Indonesia, ylang ylang is known for its aphrodisiac qualities. The scent of the fragrant yellow flowers, when inhaled, increases eroticism. Rounding out the mix is the sensual, relaxing bouquet of the gorgeous lavenderflower which attracts more than just bees and will surely set the mood for romance.

The Plan

Just prior to beginning the massage, place the jar of oils in a pan of very hot water for 10-15 minutes or until pleasantly warm. Carefully remove the bottle from the water (wrap it in a towel to avoid burning yourself) and place bedside. Slip into something comfortable, put on some relaxing music, and invite your loved one to disrobe. Massage the warm oil into the skin of their entire body. While your touch and attention are the ultimate turn-ons, the warm oil and effects of the essential oils should work in their own subtle ways. Meanwhile, you as the masseuse get to enjoy the benefits of the aromatherapy too.

The Zones

To make your massage gift even more special, tune into your partner’s hottest erogenous zones. According to the ancient art of astrology, each zodiac sign is associated with a particular region of the body. Find your lover’s sun sign below and give some extra attention to the area of the body that’s associated with that sign.

With all of this amazing lovin’ on offer, it doesn’t matter whether the massage leads you down the road to sleep…or something a little more active. Either way, the time you share will surely be full of love.

Enjoy!

• 1/4 cup good-quality carrier oil such as jojoba or grape seed
• 12 drops clary sage essential oil
• 12 drop ylang ylang essential oil
• 12 drops lavender essential oil

Pour the carrier oil into a glass bottle. Add the essential oils and mix.

Tanya has been known to write recipes on napkins, receipts, and blank book pages but has stopped short of tattooing her favorites on her derriere.

Picnic for Two

Image you and your main squeeze lounging on a blanket in the sun under a cloudless blue sky. All that relaxation could make you hungry, so it’s a good thing you brought along a picnic basket full of sweet and savory treats. If this sounds like your version of heaven, read on.

Dine with the Birds and the Bees

Now that the weather has warmed and signs of summer are everywhere, it’s time to head outside for some serious R&R. So dig out your picnic basket, grab your special someone, and head for the beach, the park, or just about anywhere with space enough for an informal bite. Your picnic can be the day’s main event or combined with a concert, museum visit, or trip to the stadium for a game.

What to bring? Any beach or park picnic worth its salt begins with a big, comfortable blanket for resting, reading, playing, napping and, of course, eating. Beyond this, nearly anything goes. Games are always a fun way to spend time together, and it can’t hurt to toss a Frisbee, bocce ball set, or baseball and gloves into the back seat. If you’re feeling a little more laid-back, pack a few books and a deck of playing cards.

Forget the Forks

As for the food, instead of picnic staples like cold fried chicken and baked beans, this picnic takes a lighter approach — one more concerned with slow, lingering tastes than fast, frenzied feasting. Think of this as a tasting menu of sorts, packed with surprising flavor combinations to discover and share together. Shopping and preparation are a breeze too. Stop at the store and pick up a baguette (why not leave it unsliced so you can truly “break bread” together); wedges of good-quality cheeses like Camembert, Brie, and Fontina; sun-dried tomatoes marinated in olive oil; mixed nuts; fresh raspberries; and chocolate (milk or dark). Or, put together an assortment of your own favorite fare. All you need for eating these delectables, in addition to your fingers, are one plate, one knife, and possibly a few napkins.

As for the drinks, add two glasses and a wine opener to your picnic basket. Instead of your usual white or red wine, why not expand your horizons and pick up a bottle of mead. Made from honey, this sweet drink was popular during the European Middle Ages. Honey is traditionally associated with love and fertility (think of the honeymoon) so mead, or honey wine, is the perfect drink for your picnic for two. It nicely complements the other items on the menu and offers light refreshment on a warm day.

Don’t forget water or sunscreen and you’re set!

• baguette
• wedges of good-quality cheeses like Camembert, Brie, and Fontina
• sun-dried tomatoes marinated in olive oil
• mixed nuts
• fresh raspberries
• chocolate, milk or dark
• mead

• blanket
• plate
• knife
• wine opener
• wine glasses
• playing cards
• Frisbee
• bocce ball set
• books
• water
• sunscreen

Tanya has been known to write recipes on napkins, receipts, and blank book pages but has stopped short of tattooing her favorites on her derriere.

Outdoor grilling is a natural go-to when the seasonal temperatures start to sizzle. It’s no wonder: you get to enjoy the delights of a summer evening – and fabulous food — rather than standing over a hot stove. So get comfortable, grab your favorite beverage, and fire up the grill! This week’s recipe features barbequed chicken.

Easy Summertime Living

Grilling is a fun way to casually pull a meal together with your partner. It’s not a lot of work with four hands helping. While the chicken is grilling, gather a few more items for the table, catch up with one another, and nibble a few appetizers (and maybe nibble each other too…cooking together is great foreplay, after all.)

A Little on the Side

Try a simple salad of mixed greens with lemon and olive oil for an ideal accompaniment to the grilled chicken. Grilled veggies are another perfect accompaniment to barbequed chicken. Grilling brings out the subtle flavors of vegetables like mushrooms, onions, zucchini, and bell peppers. Dice these dandies, coat with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and throw them on the grill. Corn on the cob is also excellent when grilled.

If the weather allows, why not dine outside, either on a picnic table or a blanket. Pour a chilled white wine, light a candle for a touch of romance (citronella candles are a lifesaver if bugs are a concern), and settle in to enjoy the meal you’ve created together. Serve a scoop or two of ice cream for dessert and you’re just about as close heaven on earth as you can get!

Serves 2-4

• 2 pounds chicken parts (legs, thighs, wings, breasts), skin-on
• salt
• olive oil
• ½ cup BBQ sauce

1. Coat the chicken pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with salt over entire surface. Prepare your grill for high, direct heat. If you are using charcoal or wood, make sure there is a cool side to the grill where there are fewer coals.

2. Lay the chicken pieces skin side down on the hottest side of the grill in order to sear the skin side well. Grill 5-10 minutes, depending on how hot the grill is (you do not want the chicken to burn). Once you have a good sear on one side, move the chicken pieces to the cooler side of the grill, or, if you’re using a gas grill, lower the heat to medium low. Cover the grill and allow to cook undisturbed for 20-30 minutes.

3. Turn the chicken pieces over and baste them with your favorite barbecue sauce. Cover the grill again and cook for another 30 minutes. Repeat: turn the chicken pieces, baste them with sauce, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes.

4. By now the chicken should be cooked. You can check with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken piece. Look for 165°F for breasts and 170°F for thighs. Or insert the tip of a knife into the middle of the thickest piece, the juices should run clear. If the chicken isn’t done, turn the pieces over and continue to cook at a low temperature. To finish with a sear, put the pieces, skin side down, on the hot side of the grill. Allow them to blacken slightly for a minute or two.

5. Baste with more barbecue sauce and serve.

Why you should consider making pizza for or with your honey tonight

When it comes to pizza, you can let your imagination and creativity run wild (definitely sexy). Whether you’re preparing an informal, romantic meal for your partner or you’re looking for a fun and relatively easy meal to prepare together, pizza is your go-to menu item. Keep it simple with 2-3 toppings so that each flavor shines through and your palates aren’t overwhelmed. Include cheese as one of your toppings and make sure you don’t overload on this item, which can leave the two of you feeling stuffed (not so sexy).

Love-inducing topping combinations

Some love-inducing topping combinations for your pizzas include asparagus spears with shrimp, fresh sweet basil with pine nuts, and salami with hot peppers. Asparagus signals the onset of spring, when all of nature seems preoccupied with loving. The suggestive shape of this delicate vegetable also makes innocent eating a challenge. Sweet basil‘s heady scent can be a powerful attractor – so much so that in former times women would sprinkle their breasts with the dried herb. Pine nuts are high in zinc, which has been associated with male potency, and these little gems have for centuries been recommended for increasing libido. If you opt to top your pizza with salami, consider buying a roll and slicing it yourself in the kitchen (especially if cooking together).   

How the recipe works

This recipe is dynamite love-inducing material for all the right reasons. First, pizza is one of those foods that can be dressed up or down with ease. Serve it with wine or beer. Eat it with your fingers (sexy) or a knife and fork. Top it with caviar or pepperoni. Accompany it with a simple salad or fresh cut vegetables. Enjoy it over candlelight or while standing at the kitchen counter (an especially nice option for leftovers).

Pizza is as fun to make as it is to eat and cooking together can bring the two of you close like few other activities. And nothing says “I love you” better than serving your loved one their favorite foods. These small individual pizzas allow you to do just that. Have fun customizing the crust, sauce, and toppings to suit your partner’s tastes like no restaurant can. After all, you may be one of the only people who knows exactly what your sweetie likes – and if you don’t, now’s the time to find out and quick. Last but not least, these individual pizzas are heart-shaped. Awwww.

One final tip: If you’re eating with a knife and fork, don’t cut the pizzas down the middle. Call me superstitious if you must, but that would make for broken hearts (definitely not sexy). Single bites work better than slices for these individual heart-shaped pies.

Recipe(s)

Dough:

1/4 teaspoon dry yeast
1/2 cup warm (about 100 degrees) water
1 teaspoon all-purpose unbleached flour
1 to 1-1/4 cups organic, stone ground all-purpose unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon salt additional flour

In a medium mixing bowl or food processor, blend yeast, water, and teaspoon of flour. Foam should form on the surface in about 8 minutes (if not, yeast is past its prime; find fresher). Then blend in rest of flour and salt, forming a smooth, quite soft, slightly sticky dough. Blend in food processor no more than 30 seconds (then knead 5 minutes by hand); in mixer blend for about 5 minutes; by hand stir to blend and knead 5 minutes. Place in a large oiled bowl, cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let stand in a cool place until doubled in bulk (about 1 1/2 hours). If not ready to bake, keep dough covered and hold up to 8 hours. About 20 minutes before baking, punch down, knead a minute or two and then form into a ball, cover.

While the dough rises, the two of you can prepare the other ingredients, enjoy a glass of wine or beer, or play a favorite game like cribbage or Scrabble. If you’d rather not make the dough from scratch, you can pick it up pre-made at most grocery stores.

Sauce:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 sprig parsley, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dry oregano
1-1/2 cups canned whole peeled tomatoes

In a 10-inch skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium high. Sauté onion and parsley to golden, then stir in garlic and oregano for a few seconds. Add tomatoes, crushing them as they go into the pan (do not substitute crushed tomatoes). Boil, stirring, 5 minutes or until thick.

Assembling the Pizzas:

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Divide dough in half and roll out until you have two 7-inch rounds. Then reform each round into a heart shape using a knife to cut away excess. Exaggerate the shape slightly to ensure it will survive the baking process. Let rest 10 minutes. Now the fun begins. Assuming your partner likes tomato sauce, top each section of dough with sauce to taste and a small handful of part-skim mozzarella or other cheese or cheese blend. You can use Romano, fresh mozzarella, Parmigiano, fontina, chevre, provolone, or cheddar. Less is more when it comes to cheese. Add 2-3 favorite toppings to both pizzas. If cooking together, a sweet touch is to make each other’s pies to order. Bake 7-10 minutes. Let cool at least 5 minutes before serving on individual plates.

Note: Dough and sauce recipes are by Lynne Rossetto Kasper. For more information, please click here.