Cowabunga

Okay, here goes...

My friend, Amanda, and I are preparing to teach a class called "Aphrodisiac Cooking for Valentine's Day". In researching the class, I learned that science has pretty much de-mystified the qualities of age-old aphrodisiacs. Many foods that are considered aphrodisiacs are very nutritious, thus heightening our "powers", if you will, and others just resemble....well, you know. What I realized and what I want to convey to the class is it's not what you serve or how you serve it but the simple act of preparing food for another, (or together) no matter how easy or complex, says I care about you and I want to nourish you!

Here is a simple, delicious recipe you might prepare for that special someone in your life (or just for yourself...you love yourself as well, right?). It contains chocolate which, stimulates our bodies with caffeine, flavonols and a shot of serotonin, to mention a few, so we feel great!

Chicken Chipotle Mole

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 3 boneless, skinless breasts cut into 1" strips

2 Tbls. cumin

2 Tbls. salt

1 1/2 Tbls. black pepper

2 Tbls. olive oil

1 large onion, sliced

3 cups fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup chopped fine chipotles in adobo sauce

1/4 cup chopped fine semi-sweet chocolate

3 Tbls. peanut or almond butter

In a medium bowl, combine cumin, salt and pepper. Place chicken in the bowl and toss well to coat. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the chicken in olive oil until browned on both sides, about 10 minutes. Add onion and continue to saute until onions are golden brown. Add tomatoes, with their juice, broth, chipotles with adobo sauce, chocolate and nut butter. Bring to a simmer and continue to simmer, stirring often, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. Serve over rice.

This can be a little spicy so if you are sensitive to spice, cut back on the chipotles some. It also makes quite a lot so you can easily cut the recipe in half.

I hope you are all thinking of ways you can cook up something with love!