THEGAYUK

Author: Food Writer

  • These five foods will make you a god (sort of) in bed

    Adding food to the bedroom is a classic way to spice things up with a partner. But did you know that food can heighten libido and improve your performance between the sheets? We-Vibe has collated the best foodie tricks and tips for you to put to the (taste) test!

    – Figs: These small fruits pack some big benefits. They are bursting with calcium, iron, potassium, and more of that stimulating zinc. They are also packed with fibre, which boosts heart health and satisfies hunger without adding to your waistline.

    – Strawberries: Don’t forget to bring this mouth-watering dessert on your next picnic. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin B, which has been linked to high sperm counts in men. Go one step further and coat them in chocolate, as it is full of libido-boosting methylxanthines! (Why do you think it’s such a popular Valentine’s Day gift?!)

    -Almonds: These healthy nuts are said to act as a sexual stimulant and a fertility aid, so if you’re trying for a baby, start snacking! They are rich in nutrients and in several minerals that are important for sexual health and reproduction, including zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. Zinc can also help enhance sexual desire – added bonus!

    -Avocados: The name for this South American fruit derives from the Aztec language Nahuatl, in which it meant ‘testicle’ – a name chosen for the fruit’s unusual shape. It may seem like a bit of a stretch to us, but avocados do have some sexy benefits! They are rich in unsaturated fats, making them very heart-healthy. And a healthy heart keeps the blood flowing to all the right places! Men with underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, so feel free to add some extra avocado slices to your salads.

    -Eggs: Poached, scrambled or fried, eggs are sure to rev you up after a long day at work. They are full of protein, which keeps you going without packing on the calories. They’re also an excellent source of amino acids, which combat certain types of heart ailments as well as erectile dysfunction. There’s a reason Dean Martin likes his eggs with a kiss in the morning…

  • RECIPE | Spiced Whole Roasted Cauliflower

    Serves 2
    Prep 10 mins
    Cook 40-60 mins (dependant on the size of your cauliflower)

    The marinade for the roasted cauliflower is buzzing with Indian twangs; turmeric, cumin, curry powder, and lime fuse together to create some serious zing, which is then mellowed down by the natural yoghurt. This is a lovely, unusual side-dish to serve as part of an Indian themed meal. It also looks rather pretty. I like to serve the leftover marinade alongside the dish.

    The marinade will keep in the fridge in an air-tight container for a few days which I then use as a dip for vegetable sticks, or you could also marinade some chicken breast pieces and skewer, placing under the grill until cooked through, for an Eastern style kebab. I like serving this side with my Lamb & Lentils, and a plain salad of vine tomatoes and cucumber.

    CAULIFLOWER: This vegetable remained rather underrated for some time, but with 100g of cauliflower equating to 80% of your vitamin C intake, some are crowning cauliflower as the new kale. (SOURCE: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cauliflower.html ) Its popularity is probably at its peak when it is smothered in a cheese sauce alongside a Sunday roast. Cauliflower is also a good source of B-complex vitamins which are required for essential bodily functions, such as energy production. Cauliflower contains sulforaphane, a compound which has had results in killing cancer stem cells. (SOURCE; http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/22/cauliflower-health-benefits.aspx)

    TURMERIC: There has been much press coverage around turmeric and it’s benefits of late. Turmeric can rapidly increase the antioxidant capacity in your body. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been linked to prevention and possible treatment of cancer.

    In fact, research shows that the turmeric and cauliflower combination may help and treat prostate cancer. (SOURCE; http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/22/cauliflower-health-benefits.aspx )

    LOW-FAT NATURAL YOGHURT: Yoghurt contains all nine essential amino acids, and is a good source of protein. Probiotics in yoghurt have a good influence on our immune system by promoting the activity of white blood cells. In the September 2012 edition of the, “European Journal of Cancer Prevention”, it was published that the volunteers who participated that consumed yoghurt regularly had up to a one-third less risk of developing upper digestive tract cancers. (SOURCE: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-natural-yogurt-6915.html )

    Ingredients.
    1 cauliflower, outer leaves and root removed, washed
    400ml low-fat natural yoghurt
    1 tbsp olive oil
    1 lime, zested & juiced
    1 tbsp turmeric
    1 tbsp mild curry powder
    1 tsp cumin
    1 tsp pepper
    ½ tsp salt

    Method.
    Preheat your oven to 200c / 180c (fan) / Gas Mark 6

    1. Line a baking tray with a piece of foil, and rub the olive oil all over.
    2. Combine the yoghurt, all the spices, and lime zest/juice together.
    3. Brush or smear the cauliflower in the marinade and sit in the baking tray.
    4. Roast in the oven for 40-60 minutes depending on the size of your cauliflower. It should have turned golden and have a crispy outer crust. If time is an issue and your cauliflower isn’t quite as cooked as you’d like it, then place in the microwave for a couple of minutes to soften.

  • RECIPE | Pistachio & Pomegranate Chocolate Cake

    A flourless, intensely rich chocolate cake laced with pistachio and pomegranate jewels, perfect for showing someone a bit of home-baked lovin’ this Valentine’s.

    Ingredients.
    Prep – 20 mins
    Cook & Decorate – 1hr – 1hr 20mins

    225g butter
    365g plain chocolate
    250g caster sugar
    55g blitzed pistachio kernels (or bash in a bag if you don’t have a food processor)
    6 medium eggs
    30g cocoa powder
    1 tbsp milk (I used Koko)
    1 tbsp honey
    1 tsp vanilla extract

    Method.
    Decoration; pomegranate seeds (dry with kitchen towel before decorating) & more blitzed pistachio kernels. I also used pink candy pearls I found in the supermarket. You could also use desiccated coconut.

    Pre-heat your oven to 200c / 180c (fan) / Gas Mark 6

    1. Using a 9 inch circular spring-form tin, place on greaseproof paper and draw an outline of the cake tin. Cut the circle out.

    2. Spray the tin with a bit of cooking oil, place the greaseproof paper circle inside the tin and spray once more with cooking oil.

    3. In a small saucepan, melt on the lowest heat, only 250g worth of the chocolate with all of the butter.

    4. Once completely melted and combined, transfer to a large mixing bowl and beat in the sugar.

    5. Adding your eggs once at a time, continue to beat and combine.

    6. Tip in the cocoa powder and blitzed pistachios and stir a few times to combine.

    7. Pour the cake mix into the prepared spring-form tin and into the oven for 45-60 minutes (depends on your oven, mine took 1hr).

    8. Check your cake is cooked through via skewer test, ensuring it comes out clean and the top is firm to the touch.

    9. Remove and set cake aside in it’s tin to cool for 10 minutes.

    10. Place a plate on top of the cake tin and invert, flipping it upside down. Release the spring-form tin, and remove the greaseproof paper that’s now on the top side of the cake. Leave to cool further.

    11. Meanwhile you can begin the glossy glaze to top the cake with. Melt remaining 115g of chocolate with 3 tablespoons of butter. Stirring until smooth.

    12. Take off the heat and stir in the honey, vanilla extract and milk. Now set this aside to cool slightly.

    13. You want your cake to be completely cool before topping with your glaze. Pour it onto the centre of the cake and use a spatula to spread over the top and sides of the cake.

    14. Top with some more pistachio kernels (some blitzed, some whole if you like), and pomegranate seeds. Be as extravagant or as minimalistic as you feel with the decoration.

    15. Cover and leave in the fridge for the half an hour or until you’re ready, to allow the glaze to set and harden.

  • RECIPE | Italian Chicken Liver Pate

    Pate is renowned for being ridiculously fatty, but I try and keep that to an absolute minimum by using only 1 tbsp of butter. In fact, I used a dairy-free alternative the other day when making this and it was perfectly fine. Although the cholesterol content of chicken livers is high it does provide us with a good intake of vitamin A, B-12 and folic acid.

    CREDIT: Jordan Lohan

    The Italian spin on this French classic comes from anchovy, capers, sage and parmesan- and it really is tasty! Don’t be put off by the anchovies- I’m not a lover of them on there own but in dishes like this it really takes the flavour up a notch!

    Ingredients.
    250g chicken livers, defrosted if frozen
    1 tbsp unsalted butter
    1 shallot, finely sliced
    1 clove garlic
    2 anchovy fillets
    ½ tbsp capers, chopped finely
    3 sage leaves
    80ml white wine
    small grating of lemon zest
    30g parmesan, grated

    Method.
    1. Prepare your livers by getting rid of any fat, or greenish parts.

    1. Melt the butter and a glug of olive oil in a large frying pan, and begin to cook the shallot, garlic, sage, capers, and anchovy fillets until they are golden.

    2. Add in the chicken livers and continue to fry until well browned.

    3. Add in half of the white wine, whilst stirring the pan until the wine has been almost absorbed.

    4. Add in the final half of wine and repeat stirring.

    5. Take the pan off the heat and transfer to a small food processor. I like mine completely smooth, so blitz until my desired consistency is reached.

    6. Finally add in a small grating of lemon zest, along with the parmesan. Give a final pulse and stir with a spoon to ensure zest and parmesan are incorporated within the pate.

    7. You can now serve warm spread on crositini, or alternatively spoon into ramekins and cover in the fridge until you’re ready.

  • RECIPE | Coffee Jelly with Cream

    RECIPE | Coffee Jelly with Cream

    CREDIT: Pixabay

    Serves 8
    Prep 5 mins (3 hours minimum chilling)
    No Cook

    Coffee lovers and addicts will adore this meeting of dessert and post-dinner coffee. In an unusual twist on a kids party pudding normally served with ice cream comes a surprisingly good and sophisticated version that is perfectly paired with cream. This dessert is not overly sweet and has a distinctively clear taste of coffee. The recipe is easily halved if you would like to make less. Serve in tumblers for pretty presentation.

    COFFEE – 1 cup of coffee provides the following of your daily recommended intake; 11% B2, 6% B5, 3% of manganese and potassium, 2% of magnesium & B3. Although these are small amounts, most coffee drinkers are likely to have more than 1 cup a day.

    Coffee is also a great source of anti-oxidants. Other health concerns coffee is believed to help with are; protection from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, lowering risk of Parkinson’s, protecting the liver, reduce the risk of depression, lowering risk of stroke, and certain cancers.
    SOURCE: ( http://authoritynutrition.com/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee/ )

    Ingredients.

    8 tsp high-quality instant coffee
    2 sachets gelatine (12g each) – or use 8 gelatine leaves
    30g caster sugar
    1000ml cold water
    230ml hot water

    Double cream, to serve.

    Method.

    1. Pour the 230ml hot water into a bowl and sprinkle the gelatine onto the hot water. (it is important that gelatine is added to the water and not the other way around).

    2. Stir quickly until mixed thoroughly.

    3. In a large bowl combine the instant coffee with some of the cold water from the 1000ml you have measured out. Whisk until the coffee has dissolved entirely.

    4. Pour in the remaining cold water whilst stirring.

    5. Add the water with the gelatine mix in it to the coffee and stir thoroughly.

    *You could at this point add a shot of whisky for another flavour, if you like.

    6. Pour into a mould, casserole dish or whatever will accommodate the jelly mix in your fridge. You want to be able to transfer the jelly once set into tumblers so when you pour cream over the top there are various nooks and crannies for the cream to flow down and look pretty on.

    7. Chill for at least 3 hours in the fridge.

    8. Serve in tumblers with cream poured over the top.

  • RECIPE | Sex Salsa

    The perfect recipe to get your sex drive back up and running

    CREDIT: Jordan Lohan

    Sweet & Fiery | Serves 4 | Prep 15 mins | No Cook

    Pineapple contains the enzyme Bromelain, which can improve libido in men.

    Pomegranate increases testosterone levels, believed due to its array of antioxidants. Also shows an increase in Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS), which is essentially the same function as a medication like Viagra etc.

    Garlic a potent testosterone booster, and again increases NOS.

    Onions as with garlic, contain allicin that thins your blood and thus improves circulation.

    Chilli Capsaicin promotes circulation and endorphins for the feel good factor.

    Parsley more antioxidants and a great odour neutraliser for the onion and garlic!

    Ingredients.

    ½ pineapple, in small chunks
    1 pomegranate, seeds of (around 80g)
    1 red onion, finely chopped
    1 bunch (30g) parsley, chopped
    1 large red chilli, thinly sliced
    1 garlic clove, finely chopped
    1 lime, juice of

    Method.

    1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, season and serve along side grilled or barbequed meats or vegetables. Alternatively, go for prawns as these pack Arginine which will increase your NOS levels. Store in an air-tight container for up to 24 hours.

  • RECIPE | Romance Rescue Remedy

    Juice your way to a stronger boner.

    CREDIT: Jordan Lohan

    Serves 2 | Prep 5 minutes

    Blueberries – literally little blue “pills”! Lowering cholesterol improving blood flow & circulation, leading to harder erections.

    Beetroot– contains boron, an aphrodisiac and booster of sexual stamina.

    Almonds (whole & milk)- high in Arginine. Good fats for blood flow & production of testosterone as well as Zinc for men’s hormones & libido.

    Bananas– rich in Manganese/Magnesium which are essential for the optimum prostate. Also contains Bromelain, a strong hormone regulator and increaser of libido.

    Coconut Water– the “fluid of life” – hydrating, cooling and is said to be able to replenish our reproductive systems.

    Raw Cacao Powder– contains Phenylethylamine, a stimulant which is usually produced naturally within the body during moments of arousal.

    Maca– Utilised widely for balancing hormones and increasing endurance.

    Ingredients.
    250ml unsweetened almond milk
    250ml coconut water
    10 almonds
    150g blueberries
    150g cooked beetroot
    2 bananas, sliced & frozen (I keep sliced bananas in the freezer ready)
    1 tbsp raw cacao powder
    ½ tbsp maca root

    Method.
    1. Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend. Top up with coconut water if consistency is too thick for you. Serve.

  • RECIPE | Turn On Truffles

    These dairy free truffles are perfect to boost your sex drive

    CREDIT: Jordan Lohan

    Makes 20-30 (depending on your size- that’s truffle, not penis) |  Prep 30 mins | Chill 3-4 hours

    To increase the vitamin C & antioxidant levels, which will protect the Nitric Oxide in the body (essential for harder erections & sexual response), incorporate the zest of 2 oranges whilst heating the coconut milk.

    Cacao is a natural aphrodisiac, but I think we all pretty much knew that. The science behind cacao is that it contains Phenylethylamine, a stimulant which is usually produced naturally within the body during moments of arousal.

    Coconut (oil/milk/flakes) will work together to increase sex drive, whilst giving you healthy fats, balancing hormones and a general boost of energy levels.

    Pistachios High in Arginine which converts to Nitric Oxide. Most nuts do contain arginine so feel free to choose your favourite kind.

     

    Ingredients.

      • 280g dark chocolate, I used a mix between 70% & 85% cocoa content, chopped finely
      • 3 tbsp coconut oil
      • 240ml coconut milk
      • ½ tsp vanilla extract
      • 1 tsp rose water
      • Decoration/Dusting:
      • 20g raw cacao powder
      • pistachios, blitzed or finely chopped
      • desiccated coconut (try it toasted!)

    Method.

      1. Place your chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a large mixing bowl.
      2. Heat the coconut milk in a saucepan until it reaches simmering point.
      3. Pour the coconut milk into the bowl with the chocolate.
      4. Stir and combine very gently & slowly to avoid the chocolate splitting .
      5. Add the rose water and vanilla extract.
      6. Transfer to a Tupperware or lidded container and put in the fridge for a minimum of 3-4 hours.
      7. On individual plates place the cacao powder, coconut and blitzed pistachios ready for rolling the truffles in.
      8. Use a melon baller to scoop balls of the truffle mix and then roll in your hands to shape further. Place each ball onto greaseproof paper.
      9. Roll each ball in a selection of cacao, coconut and pistachios. These will keep in an air-tight container for 5-7 days stored in the fridge.

  • RECIPE | Arginine Salad, perfect for a lacking libido

    Perfect for a lacking libido

    CREDIT: Jordan Lohan

    Serves 2 | Prep 15 mins | No Cook

    All the seeds, walnuts and watermelon contain an amino acid called Arginine. It’s this enzyme that helps maintain a healthy immune & hormone function. Arginine gives a helping hand in enlarging the blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the penis. Upping your Arginine levels can boost erectile response and turns into Nitric Oxide in the body.

    Chives contain high vitamin C which will protect the Nitric Oxide in the body. Viagra essentially induces erections using Nitric Oxide.

    Beetroot contains boron, an aphrodisiac and booster of sexual stamina.

    Feta increases testosterone levels.

    Spinach ecdysterone also increases testosterone.

    Ingredients.

    2 small raw beetroot, peeled & shaved (use the leaves too)
    100g feta, cubed
    100g watermelon, cubed
    100g organic spinach, washed
    50g walnut halves
    30g pack fresh chives, snipped
    25g pumpkin seeds
    25g sunflower seeds
    25g sesame seeds
    Rapeseed oil

     

    Method.

    1. Dry toast the pumpkin and sunflower seeds over a low heat in a frying pan for 5 mins. Remove from the pan, and then toast the sesame seeds for 2 minutes.
    2. Mix all the prepared ingredients together in a serving bowl, drizzle with rapeseed oil and serve. Also lovely with a touch of balsamic.
  • COCKTAIL RECIPE | Southside

    COCKTAIL RECIPE | Southside

    SOUTHSIDE

     

    Ingredients:

    Gin  (BUY NOW)

    Lime juice (BUY NOW)

    Lemon juice (BUY NOW)

    Soda water (BUY NOW)

    Mint leaves (BUY NOW)

    Sugar Syrup

    Fill a cocktail shaker (I didn’t actually have one so I used my protein shake cup!) with ice.

    Add the gin, lime, lemon, simple syrup, and mint leaves- shake it like a Polaroid for 10 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled glass, garnishing with mint.

  • RECIPE | Dairy Free Truffles

    © Food For Friends – Jordan Lohan

    These delicious dairy-free truffles make lovely little gifts or can be served after dinner for guests to graze on. The different coatings of cacao powder, pistachios and coconut provide variety whilst also being nutritious!

    Truffles – Makes 20-30
    Prep 30 mins
    Chill 3-4 hours

    Ingredients
    280g fair trade organic dark chocolate, I usually use a mix of both 70% & 85% cocoa content, chopped finely
    3 tbsp coconut oil
    240ml full fat coconut milk
    ½ tsp vanilla extract
    1 tsp rose water

    Decoration/Dusting:
    20g raw cacao powder
    pistachios, blitzed or finely chopped
    desiccated coconut (try it toasted!)

    Method

    1. Place your chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a large mixing bowl.
    2. Heat the coconut milk in a saucepan until it reaches simmering point.
    3. Pour the coconut milk into the bowl with the chocolate.
    4. Stir and combine very gently & slowly to avoid the chocolate splitting .
    5. Add the rose water and vanilla extract.
    6. Transfer to a Tupperware or lidded container and put in the fridge for a minimum of 3-4 hours.
    7. On individual plates place the cacao powder, coconut and blitzed pistachios ready for rolling the truffles in.
    8. Use a melon baller to scoop balls of the truffle mix and then roll in your hands to shape further. Place each ball onto greaseproof paper.
    9. Roll each ball in a selection of cacao, coconut and pistachios. These will keep in an air-tight container for 5-7 days stored in the fridge.
    This recipe is taken from my latest digital cookbook Food For Friends available for JUST £3.95 from TheGayShop.co.uk – Full of wonderful ideas this festive season.