Page 9 - Rachit_Cookbook_sample

Seductive Starters

getting warmed up

warm things up or get wildly carried away Plan the seduction: Start at least two
with these alluring initiators. You could hours before your lover arrives. Chop. Mari-
even make these seductive starters the high- nate. Puree. Mix. Wash. Cut. Breathe.
light of your dining experience by prepar- Select your favorite bewitching music. Set
ing a buffet of luscious tidbits. the table. Relax.
Design the stage for your evening of Yield to the magic of aromas. Use candles
seduction. Dim the lights and fire up plenty scented with vanilla (relaxing) or cinnamon
of candles. Create exotic lighting by drap- (exhilarating). The smells of cookery excite
ing scarves over lamps. A log in the fireplace as well; pungent roasted garlic, peppery
is sure to heat things no matter the season, ginger, fragrant onions, spicy chiles . . .
or a sultry breeze wafting through sheer entering a room wafting with fragrance
curtains on a warm night imparts an allur- evokes sensual exultation.
ing atmosphere. What to drink with your seduction
Set an elegant table with a simple floral menu? Well, not too much. As Porter said
arrangement to make a romantic statement. in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, alcohol “provokes
But don’t limit yourself: A couch with the desire, but takes away the performance.”
cushy pillows and a low table set with a buf- Lastly, practice empathy when cooking for
fet of starters can be a comfortably sensual a lover. Be sensitive to food aversions or aller-
spot. Or better yet, skip the dining room gies. Nothing spoils the moment like a cry of
table, place a tablecloth strewn with rose “Ugh! I hate asparagus,” or a case of hives.
petals on your bed, and explore the delights What a delicious way to inject Cupid’s
of finger-friendly foods. arrow. Let the seduction begin!