Chef_Jay's Blog

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Check it out and tell me what you think.
Is it just for the 15 mins of fame and advertising or is this person a real.

To Serve with Love Ministries and Ch teau Noir are feeding the homeless and we need your help.

On Saturday February 14, 2009 we will be at The Salvation Army Women's and Children's Shelter located at 534 Spratt St. Charlotte, NC 28206 (704) 348-2560. We will be serving lunch to the homeless (approx. 245 people) at 12:00 pm.

We need 6 volunteers to arrive at 10:00 am to help with preparing food. You do not have to be a professional in the kitchen just someone who loves to give back and enjoys cooking. We will be preparing a full meal with dessert. The menu is already set so we are looking for people to come down and help us execute this meal for those that are less fortunate.

Here is what to wear:
Comfortable shoes
Some type of head gear: hat, scarf along those lines

Here is what to bring:
A big Smile
A caring heart
And a willingness to have fun

Please send me an email if you are willing to spend a few hours spreading love and food to another. If you cant send an email just show up we can always use the help.
We start prepping at 10am and service is at 12:00pm
We are also in need of donations toward the food purchase.
To donate, please visit the web site at http://www.toservewithlove.org and click on the "Donate" button on the home page.

Throughout the ages there have been many foods that have been associated with their sexual arousal factors upon eating. Their compounds and make bring the people or person enjoying them to a new level.

Here is the second part of my list of these wonderful ingredients. I will first give you the list then give you some menus that you can use to further accentuate the arousal factors of the item used.

Then I will give you some menu ideas that will ignite the fires and not just in the kitchen

If you have more just add them on

Garlic
Garlic has been said to add heat not only to your cooking but also to your love life. Make sure that you and your loved on share garlic together to heighten its benefits even more.

Ginger / Ginseng
Raw ginger along with other roots like ginseng has been known for their effects on the male anatomy; for centuries its abilities to awaken and stimulate are well documented. Next time you are a market and see ginseng root in a bottle grab two or three and when the time is right enjoy its natural affects.

Honey
This sweet nectar has been said to be a cure for sterility and impotence. Many drinks from fermented honey have been used over the years to add a little more then sweetness to a relationship.

Mustard
This spice is said to perk up the and stimulate the sexual glands in both men and women. With som many different type and flavors why not try them all to see how well it works for you.

Nutmeg
Has become a staple for certain drinks and meals this spice is known as an aphrodisiac in some cultures. It's the perfect topping for a holiday drink and could lead to a night cap or two or three.

Oysters
Since the Romans, Greek, Egyptians and most cultures throughout time have documented oysters as a major aphrodisiac food it has topped so many lists. The look shape and often times texture resembles the female genitals.
True or not they are the sugar pill of the food of love world and people believe they work for sure.
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts have minerals proven to maintain male potency and the taste great. So if for potency or the flavor enjoy some nuts today

Raspberries and Strawberries
This is the ideal fruit for love. Easy to serve and they taste great all alone.
Best if fed to you by another it heightens the experience immensely.

Truffles
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

Vanilla
This spice gives off a lush inviting and decadent scent in any form. Using vanilla in many dishes not only increases the flavor of the dish but is also know to increase the chances of more to follow the dish.

Wine
The ultimate in seduction, relaxation and for some the start of an enjoyable night with that special someone.
Enjoy in moderation so that you can be in control of the fun filled night to follow.

Here is a family favorite dish that is easy to make. Chicken pot pie is thick and hearty and very filling on a cold night.

It's a great meal that does not require many ingredients and you are sure to make time and time again.

Ingredients
2 lbs chicken breast cubed
2 lbs white potatoes cubed
4 cups mixed vegetables
1 cup heavy cream
3 tbsp corn starch
4 cups chicken stock
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Your favorite poultry seasoning

Equipment
Large Saut Pan
Large Baking Dish
Single serving Ramekins

Preheating
350o

Preparation
Season chicken
Sear chicken in large saut pan with olive oil in batches
Add seared chicken to large bowl along with vegetables and potatoes
In large saut pan add chicken stock to deglaze pan
Mix heavy cream and corn starch together
Add to saut pan
Add remainder of chicken stock
Stir and allow mixture to thicken
Add chicken mixture to your baking vessel
Ladle cream and stock mixture over chicken to cover
Cover with Phyllo sheets
Bake in oven until golden brown

For Service
Serve with a big spoon
Enjoy

Love is in the air as Valentines Day fast approaches minds turn to that romantic moment where you can enjoy the company of that someone special. More time should be spent with that person then in the kitchen.

Here is a recipe that you can make in under an hour and spend more time enjoying that moment.

Herb Crusted Ahi Tuna with Tomato and Parsley Risotto
Ingredients
2 Wild Ahi Tuna Steaks
cup dried parsley
cup dried oregano
cup dried thyme
cup dried savory
tbsp cayenne pepper
Salt & Pepper
Olive Oil
1 cup Balsamic Vinegar


For the Risotto
cup Arborio Rice
4 cups stock (Chicken or Vegetable)
cup tomato chopped
cup grated parmesan cheese
cup chopped parsley
4 tbsp butter (optional)

Equipment
Large saut pan
Medium Sauce Pan

Preparation
For Risotto
Heat Stock
Heat med sauce pan and add olive oil and Arborio rice
Coat rice and cook for 2 min
Add one ladle of stock to rice and stir
Repeat process allowing stock to reduce down before adding in the next ladle of stock
When rice is 95% done add chopped tomato
Add parsley
Add parmesan cheese
Add butter (optional)
Set aside

For Tuna
Coat both side of tuna with herb mixture
Heat pan add olive oil
Sear tuna stake on one side 3-5 minutes depending on thickness
Turn steaks over
Remove from pan

For Reduction
Add balsamic to pan while still hot
Sprinkle in some of the herb mixture used on fish
Allow balsamic to reduce by about 80%

For service
Mold Risotto and place in center of plate
Lay tuna stake on risotto
Drizzle balsamic reduction around plate

Enjoy

Throughout the ages there have been many foods that have been associated with their sexual arousal factors upon eating. Their compounds and make up bring the people or person enjoying them to a new level.

I have put together a list of some of these magical items. I will first give you the list then I will give you some menu ideas that you can use to further accentuate the arousal factors of the item used.

If you know of any other magical food items please add to the list

Aniseed Seeds
The Greeks and Romans believed that this licorice tasting, star shaped pod held the key to increased desire.

It?s said that if you pop the seeds in your mouth it will increase your urges.

Asparagus
Aside from its phallic like shape many believe that if you eat this vegetable for three days it has a most potent affect on your love life.

Almond
This nut has been the symbol of fertility for as long as people have been eating them the smell alone induces a passionate response in women

Arugula
Arugula has been documented many times as an aphrodisiac since the first century.
Not only does it make a for a great salad but it can also help you in another bed if you make it that far.

Avocado
If you have ever seen this growing fruit you can see why it is associated with love. Called the Ahuacuatl (translated = the testicle tree) by the Aztecs this fruit has a silky smooth texture and is delicious in so many ways don?t forget to rub some lemon on the flesh so it does not turn brown.

Bananas
Aside from the phallic shape these fruits and their leaves have some interesting history. The leaves in some cultures are said to be what Adam and Eve used to cover up with bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.

Basil
Is known to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility as well as bring a sense of calm to the body and mind.

Chocolate
Said by some to be "nourishment of the Gods"; chocolate contains chemicals thought to that directly affect the brain and gives you a boost like caffeine. Some of this sweet treat is loaded with antioxidants (cancer preventing enzyme) great for your body add that with a glass of wine and you are in for a healthy and interesting evening.

Carrots
Its phallic shape has been know to be the helping aid in some societies to give more in the seduction department. Perhaps a better way for us to use it is for the high beta carotene we get from it.

Coffee
Coffee and the caffeine in it is a great stimulant in moderation. This drink can get you up and ready for a night of passion.

Coriander the seed of cilantro
About one thousand years ago a story was told of a man that was not able to produce any children one day in his travels he was give a elixir made with coriander and he was cured to the tune of 10 boy and 8 girls. He made up for some lost time I guess.

Fennel
Has natural plant estrogens and some cultures often used it as a libido enhancer.

Figs
Slice a fig open and think about what it reminds you of. If you said the female sex organ than you will understand why this made the food of love list.