Article By: Thamar Houliston
Mon, 26 May 2008 16:07
Appetite and sex are no doubt some of the greatest motivators of the human age, but in these virtual days of instant satisfaction — online shopping, McDonald's drive-through, dial-a-pizza — we often take food for granted, raping it of its seductive charm and on occasion — any real quality or flavour whatsoever.
Apparently, food and sex are themselves linked in the limbic systems of our brains — the control centre of emotional activity. Thus "good food=good sex", or so the passionate Natale Schotti teaches in her Seduction Food cookery class.
Natale believes that people who do not love food have robbed themselves of an immense source of bliss and joy, and she lives by the idea that the love and the enjoyment of food allows us all to create even more of the same in other spheres of our lives.
My partner and I are at 'Eleven', Woodstock's new cookery school where they teach you to "put some romance back in your life through the slow seduction of food".
"This recipe will entice your lover, and trust me it works," confesses Natale, a knowing smile on her face as we mash capers and anchovies together, fondling the heady mixture with our naked fingers…
"Now add fresh basil," she commands, and "smell the mixture".
I lean over my cutting board and draw in the scent — it's astonishingly pleasurable, even for someone who is averse to both capers and anchovies.
Natale's sensuous voice cuts through the air, prompting us to let go of any inhibitions, feel our food, get in touch with it, and it's just then that the champagne begins to kick in… allowing me to frolic happily in my very own little kitchen complete with sink, stove, pots and pans…
Cooking for love
First on the menu tonight is Salsa Vittorio with hot buttered asparagus spears and artichoke flowers. Although I have no idea what this is, it sounds romantic. Asparagus and artichokes themselves are said to be aphrodisiacs, if not for their actual properties, rather for asparagus's phallic representation, and the artichokes' buttery texture.
The Food Seduction cookery course promises to assist you in planning a three-course meal, seducing your partner along the way, with the aromas and visual appeal of the feast.
Once we have fused leeks, garlic, paprika and cumin with oregano, lemon zest, chilli, basil and red peppers (some of us more viciously than others — the pungent smell of burnt leeks permeating the kitchen), we fold in the prawns with the buttery asparagus and artichokes and our starter is ready.
The main course consists of a chunk of red meat — "protein for passion", notes Natale — lovingly caressed and pressed by us, until it's ready for searing…
The ovens are lit, and it's time to insert our fillets covered in cream cheese, homemade Napolitano sauce and mozzarella, gently laid on a bed of fresh basil.
Natale goes on to elaborate on her aesthetic love of food and how each of us needs to get in touch with what we are eating. Stroke it, experience it…
We sit down to dinner with our fellow students and the results of the meal are incredible. The tender steak melts in my mouth; the artichokes are creamy and indulgent with a sharp lemon tinge from the zest we added, while the rich tomato sauce brings a completely new dimension to the dish. Still I cannot help devouring the bread which Natale has prepared, heavenly, soft, warm…
Then came the double chocolate macadamia tart — the climax of the evening — which Natale prepared for us. Two layers of pure decadence on a bed of soft pastry. This sealed the deal — I'm in love…
Experience it yourself
The course takes approximately two to three hours to complete, after which you can enjoy your creation with your fellow students.
Situated in Woodstock, Cape Town, the school offers secure parking with 24-hour security. Please contact Eleven on +27 21 461 3820 or e-mail Glynnis Roberts at principal@11cooks.com for more information.
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