Aphrodisiac Valentine Day Dinner!

Valentines Day is here and you know you want to do something special but you're just not quite sure what!

We've put together some wonderful ideas for you to really strut your talents to your man.

Any meal you make should include a good dose of aphrodisiacs to help the evening along...

Entree - Goats Cheese and Fig SaladSalade Chevre Figue

Did you know that an open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act.

This entree takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare! 

• 4 figs
• 4 cups mixed baby greens
• 4 ounces creamy goat cheese, or you could use feta cheese as well
• 8 walnuts chopped or 4 tablespoons of pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or champagne vinegar works well)
• salt and pepper

Wash the figs. For an attractive presentation, cut the fig in four without cutting through the stem, and allow the fruit to fan open.

Garnish four salad plates with the greens and the figs. Place one ounce of cheese alongside the fig, and sprinkle with walnuts.

Prepare a vinaigrette with the olive oil, walnut oil, vinegar and salt and pepper. Pour on top and serve.

Mains - Crispy Barramundi with Basil & Lemon Sauce

Did you know that Basil is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase virility. In the case of broccoli its more likely a myth created to get people to eat this bitter vegetable.

Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene.

Ingredients:

Barramundi fillets

Crumb Topping:

• 2 cups dried bread crumbs
• ¼ t old bay seasoning
• ¼ t garlic
• ¼ t onion powder
• Pinch thyme leaves
• The zest of ½ a lemon

Lemon Butter Basil Sauce:

• 2 cups butter
• 4 T fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup white wine
• Handful of minced fresh basil

Preparation

1. Brush fillets with extra virgin olive oil then coat them with crumb mixture.
2. Bake fillets at 375 degrees until they flake easily with a fork about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Remove from the oven and drizzle lemon butter sauce over fish and serve immediately.

Salad - Rocket, Radish and Avocado Salad

Rocket seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta. Today we taken the rocket leaves and created a salad with nuts and avocado for that extra aphrodisiac oomph!

The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture.

Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.

Mustard is also believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire!!

Ingredients: 

1/3 cup caster sugar                            

2 tbsp water

1/2 cup walnuts

1 large avocado

3 tbsp lemon juice

100 g baby rocket

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

6 radishes, washed and thinly sliced                       

1. Line a baking tray with foil and lightly oil it. Place sugar into a non-stick frying pan with water. Stir over low heat to dissolve the sugar then increase the heat to medium and bring to the boil. Boil for 5-7 mins until mixture starts to become golden and syrupy. Add walnuts (or exchange for Pine Nuts to add that bit "extra" to the evening!) and cook further 2-3 mins stirring often until the sugar mixture is caramel coloured, toffee-like and coats the walnuts/pine nuts. Turn out onto the oiled foil and leave walnuts to cool.
2. Cut the avocado in half lengthways and remove the stone and skin. Cut into thick slices then into pieces. Toss with only 1 tbsp of the lemon juice. Combine rocket, avocado and radishes in a serving bowl.
3. Combine oil, mustard and remaining lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat. Roughly chop the walnuts and sprinkle over the salad. Serve immediately.

                                     

Dessert - Chocolate Tart with Coffee

Berries are the perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. "Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples" Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two.

Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".

Ingredients

• 125g chilled butter
• 1 cup (150g) plain flour
• 1/3 cup (60g) icing sugar mixture
• 1/4 cup (30g) almond meal
• 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
• 1 egg yolk
• Raspberries, to serve
• Thin cream, to serve

• Chocolate custard filling

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tbs custard powder
• 2 tbs caster sugar
• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• 300ml thin cream
• 1 cup (250ml) milk

Method

1. Place the butter, flour, icing sugar, almond meal and cocoa powder in the bowl of a food processor and process until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and process until mixture just comes together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until almost smooth. Shape into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
2. Preheat oven to 200°C. Roll pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 4mm-thick disc. Line the base and side of a 23cm (base measurement) round, fluted tart tin with removable base. Use a sharp knife to trim the edges. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to rest.
3. Place the tart tin on an oven tray. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with rice or beans. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the rice or beans and bake for a further 5 minutes or until pastry is just cooked through. Reduce oven temperature to 160°C.
4. Meanwhile, to make the filling, combine the yolks, custard powder and sugar in a saucepan. Add the chocolate, cream and milk and place over low heat. Cook, occasionally whisking with a balloon whisk, for 5 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
5. Pour the chocolate custard mixture into the pastry case. Bake in oven for 20 minutes or until custard is just set. Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely. Place in the fridge to chill.
6. Place on a serving plate. Top with raspberries and serve with thin cream.

Serve with a lovely cup of coffee!!

Have a great evening!!!

Bibilography:
http://www.easy-french-food.com/fresh-fig-recipes.html
http://www.thebetterfish.com/recipes/view/crispy-barramundi-with-lemon-basil-sauce
http://recipes.coles.com.au/recipes/84/rocket-radish-avocado-salad/
http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/22174/chocolate+tart
http://nittanyinspirations.blogspot.com.au/2010/02/valentines-day-table.html



Are you prepared to break with tradition for your wedding?

It is your wedding! Or is it? Sometimes it can feel like everyone but you has a say about what is going to happen on your day.

                “You can’t do that! That is not what a wedding is about!”
                “You have to do it this way. We’ve always done that in our family!”
                “Where did you think that idea up from?”
                “Our family always does it this way!”

Parents of many brides and grooms want to put their five cents worth into the planning of your wedding. Family and friends may mean well with their ideas and contributions of “ideal” wedding plans but this can lead to arguments and upset.

Renaissance Wedding

At the beginning of all the planning you had a picture of how you saw the day falling into place. You want your wedding to be different. Perhaps a unique theme, change the vows, sing modern songs or have a complete break from traditional wedding music. You and your partner have been to plenty of other weddings and you don’t want to have just another beautiful but traditional wedding day.

This decision leads you into unchartered water. How will your family and friends react to your  idea? They know you are rule breakers with modern views and all you want is a day that reflects who you are as a couple.

Gothic Wedding Theme

Gothic Wedding Cake

In ancient times the bride was given to the groom’s family! The white dress signified virginity, the cake was a symbol of fertility and the bridesmaids dressed like the bride to confuse evil spirits ! The groom stood on the right of the bride so he could use his right hand to grab his sword to fend off enemies who wanted to steal his bride!

Western Wedding

Then in Victorian times we introduced bouquets of flowers for the bride. The bouquet was made from scented flowers or herbs to held to hide the smell  of an unclean society or to ward off all those evil spirits!

We carry on these traditions, mostly without even knowing why. We aren’t tied to these traditions for any of these old reasons anymore but so it continues!  Our parents did it so their expectations are that you should have a great church wedding, white dress and wonderful sit down dinner!

Western Wedding Cake

These days you can have many different themes that can be amazing fun for you and your guests. Just maybe not considered to be a great idea by your parents! Remember that it is your party and it is your wedding day. This is a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. Share with your grandchildren and demonstrates your personality to them and everyone on the day.

You can have fun being different! Be prepared for some arguments but don’t let it stop you being quirky and different! Go for it and make your day extra special!

Extreme Weddings @ Ayers Rock, Central Australia

Unveiled: 200 Years of Wedding Fashion

From the Victoria and Albert Museum
 London

Presented at The Museum

of New Zealand,

 Te Papa Tongarewa

Te Papa is situated in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand

Romance

Glamour

Extravagance

Dita Von Teese on her wedding day, 2005. Dress by Vivienne Westwood, hat by Stephen Jones. Photograph by and courtesy of Odessy Barbu.

On Now until 22 April 2012
Admission charges apply

If you are in New Zealand or visiting New Zealand before 22nd April 2012 taking a visit to this exhibition is well worth the effort.

Experience the evocative world of weddings through this extraordinary collection of wedding attire from the 19th century to today. See outfits inspired by tradition, practicality, fashion, fantasy – and, of course, love.

Wedding dress and coat designed by John Bates for his Jean Varon label, London, 1966. Cotton gabardine trimmed with silvered PVC. Worn by Marit Allen for her marriage to Sandy Lieberson in London on 10 June 1966. ©Victoria and Albert Museum

Embroidered silk satin wedding dress by Norman Hartnell, London, 1933. Commissioned by Margaret Whigham for her marriage to Charles Sweeny on 21 February 1933. Given and worn by Margaret, Duchess of Argyll. ©Victoria and Albert Museum / V&A Images

Highlights include celebrity gowns by stellar international designers such as Norman Hartnell, Vivienne Westwood, and Christian Lacroix. Also on show are special commissions by New Zealand designers WORLD, Lindah Lepou, and Jane Yeh.

How is it that the traditional western European white wedding dress has become the garment of choice for brides in many countries and cultures? And what do wedding dress styles say about the social and economic conditions of their day? You'll learn some of the answers from this magnificent display.

Embroidered silk wedding dress by Christian Lacroix, Paris, Autumn/Winter 1992-93 Haute Couture. Given by Christian Lacroix. Photograph by Guy Marineau © 1992

Silk brocade shoes purchased from Peter Robinson, London, 1914. Worn by Phyllis Blaiberg for her marriage to Bertie Mayer Stone at the Bayswater Synagogue, London on 9 September 1914. Given by Mrs B. Rackow ©Victoria and Albert Museum / V&A Images

Francis Hooper, Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, and Benny Castles discuss their inspiration for the outfits that appear in Unveiled. Plus, we peek backstage as the dress is prepared for its debut at New Zealand Fashion Week. 

More pictures, videos of interviews with designers, recordings by the curator of the museum and much more is available on their website. Even if you can't make it to Wellington to see this exhibition it is definitely worth a visit to their website:

http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/WhatsOn/exhibitions/WeddingDress/Pages/default.aspx

Summer Wedding Hint

Hands up who organised a Summer Wedding? In Adelaide we are heading towards five days of HOT weather with 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday (100 degrees Fahrenheit) so we at Wedding Style Guide thought it was time for a Summer Wedding Hint for your man!

The groom’s job is to look gorgeous, fresh, unflustered and perfect in every photo all day but Summer has ways of bringing even the coolest customer undone. 

Guys tend to just grab the jacket and go. But when it’s off to be married on a summer’s day, when the thermometer hits record highs, you can’t rely on getting through the most important day of your life without planning for the heat.

To look good you must be comfortable. Choose a light fabric for your suit, don’t be caught in a winter-weight weave. If wearing a vest, make sure it has a satin back which will be more suitable.

You could even choose a vest that looks good WITH the jacket off! 

Check out the suit without the jacket. In extreme heat and later when dancing, the jacket will probably be removed; the pants have to look flattering.

It’s not a regular day, most grooms are nervous and nerves can lead to more sweating than usual. Add in the heat factor and a perspiration condition can really kick in. Carry a crisp, white cotton handkerchief to wipe a glistening brow and damp hands. Tissues can disintegrate quickly and leave you without the help you need. There will be a lot of handshaking, your hands should be wiped dry, nobody likes to touch a clammy paw.

It’s a long, long day with many potential grooming pitfalls like the shirt getting soaked with sweat early in the day or red wine being spilled down the front later in the evening. It’s all happened before; a wet shirt is not a good look. Hot feet perspiring and starting to smell as if they were in a pair of gym sneakers is embarrassing. Perspiration can be a nightmare on hair, making it fall flat. It’s wise to have wardrobe and grooming quick fixes on hand to make sure you look your best and the photographs show a great looking groom, not a damp one.

Pack a smart looking bag and include all the emergency grooming odds and ends that will end up saving the day by making you feel fresh and look crisp.

Include:

• a spare pair of socks
• hanky
• a spare shirt on a coathanger, so it doesn’t get creased,
• deodorant,
• hair product,
• shoe cleaner,
• breath freshener.
• If a five o’clock shadow tends to appear at 3pm, throw in the shaver and some aftershave. Don’t use a new aftershave for the first time on your wedding day, it won’t smell like you and it could cause an allergy and skin rash.

You may not need to turn to these reserves, but if you do; it will be a lifesaver. Pop the hold-all into the boot of a car of someone you know will be there until the end.

Being one of the two stars on the wedding day is a bit like running a marathon, look after yourself from the start with a good breakfast. This will help get you through the day and give energy to battle the heat.

Reassess the wedding day’s morning activities.

A game of golf with mates might sound like a great idea, but if it’s 40 degrees, you might exhaust yourself and not feel 100% for the wedding itself. Heat stroke is a real possibility. Take it easy on the morning of your wedding.

Have bottles of water handy all day, don’t become dehydrated, or you mightn’t feel on top of the world. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated, so drink lots of water.

Most of all have a great day
and keep your cool!

The eclective VIP Night

The VIP evening, scheduled for Friday 09 September between 6 and 9pm in Adelaide, is the official launch of the inaugural curated bridal showcase that is the Eclective.



To kick off the showcase the VIP evening will give attendees an opportunity to experience some of Adelaide's most innovative businesses in action. Sample some of the amazing food by Let Them Eat, savoury and sweet morsels by the White House Kitchen and Lounge, keep hydrated with beer from the McLaren Vale Beer Company and little bubbles from Mayhem and Co. And we don't want to forget dessert on a night such as this so Steve Ter Horst Chocolatier will have divine chocolates to taste. Along with all of those delights, entertainment will include Lucky Seven Swing, The Voice of Transition and many more to keep the atmosphere alive.



Not only will you have an experience to hold onto but you will have your letterpress eclective ticket printed by the ink room as a keepsake from the event as seen in the photograph above. These are for VIP and online ticket sales only. VIP night tickets will be sold exclusively online, will not be available at the door and are limited to 150 so be sure to buy your's here today to secure your spot.



This is the opportunity to be the very first to experience these amazing vendors that have come together in one venue. It is destined to be a fantastic night and we can't wait!



Posted by Jane Cameron

Perth Brides go Upmarket

Western Australian brides-to-be now have the chance to make their wedding a unique event that stands out from the crowd thanks to first ever Wedding Upmarket, showcasing the best of the state’s wedding wares. Justine Barsley, the brains (and operational legs) behind the event couldn’t find Perth’s best artists and designers she’d heard so much about so set up the iconic Perth Upmarket three years ago where 50,000 punters now flock every year for the best of Perth’s designer wares at the quarterly event. Wedding Upmarket is a one-day, one-stop-shop showcasing the best of what Perth has to offer by way of wedding products including invitations and paper product, decorations and props, bombonniere, flowers, photography, gourmets, jewellery, stylists, couture and so much more. Wedding Upmarket opens its doors for the one day event on Saturday, 13 August 2011 from 10am to 4pm at the stunning Mosman’s Restaurant, 15 Johnson Parade, Mosman Park. Tickets are $20 prepaid through the website or $25 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets please contact Justine on 0432 897 516 or visit www.perthupmarket.com.au.



Posted by Emilie Harrison

First Come Love

If you're over in Western Australia and find yourself in or around Leederville this Saturday 18th or Sunday 19th June do yourself a favour and be sure to pop in to the super cute bridal fair First Comes Love. Not your average bridal fair, here you'll find a delicious assortment of vendors including Bride & Groom Store, Jemma Keech Photography, Dizzy Wizzy Design, Flower Talk and many more who will be sure to help get your creative juices flowing. You'll be able to find this fair upstairs at the Oxford Hotel, 368 Oxford Street, Leederville. Tickets are only $5 at the door and everyone who visits receives a goody bag as well as the chance to win a free portrait session with photographer Sarah Kate Dorman. That's surely a weekend excursion sorted! Visit www.firstcomelove.studiobomba.com.au for all the finer details.



Posted by Emilie Harrison