Chocolate Divinity :)

Ok so I've never actually made this myself but I have eaten it many a time and must say it is probably my number one favorite dessert. I also recently caught a cooking show where a chef was preparing a chocolate souffle and added rehydrated (in brandy and oj) bing cherries to give it some texture and tartness...I thought that sounded like a great addition and may try that when I make this...

Roy Yamaguchi’s Chocolate Soufflé

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
¼ cup sugar
1 ¼ tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs plus 2 egg yolks

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate together. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and yolks together. Add the melted butter-chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture and combine thoroughly with a wire whisk. Stir in the eggs and whisk just until smooth. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line 4 metal rings (about 2 I inches across and 2 inches high) with greased parchment paper. (Alternative, use 6 smaller molds.) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set the molds on the sheet. Scoop the mixture into the molds so they are two-thirds full, and make sure the molds are not leaking. (*Can also use ramekins instead of paper and molds- grease ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder to keep from sticking.)

Bake on the top oven rack for 20 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and while holding each mold with tongs, slide a metal spatula underneath, carefully lift, and transfer to a serving plate. Gently lift off the mold and remove the parchment paper. Serve immediately.

Serves 4

February is Foods that are Aphrodisiacs

I have to admit, research is spotty on this topic between folklore, ancient myths, made up mumbo jumbo and seeming "fact." Discovery health had this article, so I'm going to go with:

Oysters are high in zinc, a mineral used in the production of testosterone.

Asparagus is high in vitamin E, considered one of the hormone stimulants.

Chilies may heat up your life due to capsaicin — the substance that gives kick to peppers, curries and other spicy foods. Capsaicin stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins giving you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high.
Chocolate is still the traditional lover's gift, research suggests the stimulant phenylethylamine, found in chocolate, engenders a sense of well being and excitement.

Anyone have any more foods to add to the list? Green M+Ms?:) Photos from here.