A romantic, summer-night meal on a open air patio may seem like the best way to jumpstart your senses, but staying in and creating this aphrodisiac-packed meal can turn a light dinner into a heavy evening, without the cab fare.

Oyster and Brie Champagne Soup
Serves 6

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
4 cups clam juice or seafood stock
2 1/2  cups whipping cream
3/4 tsp red pepper
12 oz (340g) brie cheese, rind removed and cut up
1 cup dry champagne
18 fresh oysters
1/2 cup minced green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter over low heat, then add flour and cook for 3 minutes, whisking constantly.  Add stock and cook, mixing until flour is absorbed, about 3 minutes.  Bring to a boil, then return to simmer for 10 minutes.

Add cream and simmer 5 minutes while whisking constantly.  Toss in red pepper and cheese, stirring until melted.  Finally, add champagne, oysters, and onions and let simmer 3 to 4 minutes more.

Cover and let stand 10 minutes.  Just before serving, stir through and add salt & pepper to taste.

Do oysters turn you off? Almonds, asparagus, avocado, bananas, basil, chocolate, garlic, honey, and pine nuts are all foods with aphrodisiac properties that will turn you right back on…

by Laura McLaren