Set The Mood With Oysters

A topic that came up during some girl chatter were foods that are considered an aphrodisiac.

Oysters was on the top of the list. It's said that oysters enhance your mood, therefore creating passion. Why? I know oysters are good for your heart, so I guess anything that's good for your heart should help the rest of your body, right?

Since the Aphrodite tale stating she was born and emerged from the sea, this sexy shellfish has been thought about as an aphrodisiac.

Oysters are loaded with vitamins, Omega3's and contain testosterone-boosting zinc.

My first experience with oysters was while down at the beach, my friend was drinking a cocktail containing raw oysters, then for lunch oysters again. Hmmm, setting the mood for romance later in the evening?

Most people chose to eat Gulf oysters raw, but might be leery thinking they were not shipped or refrigerated properly. There's even a myth that oysters shouldn't be eaten during the warmer months and only eaten during the months that contain 'r's in them.

But today, processing has advanced and with technology such as the Post Harvest process, even at risk consumers can enjoy raw oysters. There are three post harvest treatments: individual quick freezing, low heat pasteurization or heat cool pasteurization or high hydrostatic pressure. With these new processes, at risk consumers can now enjoy with reduced risk of Vibrio vulnificus illness

So...go ahead...set the mood....dim the lights, eat your oyster stir fry and let the effects take over. Enjoy!

Oyster Stir Fry
Yields 4 servings

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1-1/2 tablespoons oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
3/4 pound oysters, shucked and drained
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Mix cornstarch with one tablespoon of water in a small bowl and set aside. Heat oil in wok or skillet. Add garlic, onion and ginger; stir-fry for approximately one minute. Add oysters, orange juice and soy sauce; stir fry for an additional 30 seconds. Add cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce just starts to thicken, about 1 minute more. Serve immediately with rice.