Los Angeles
portrait of Naughty Nannette
Naughty Nannette
— Naughty Nannette Sweet Treats
Chocolatier

Chocolatier, Naughty Nannette, melts her passion for chocolate and spice into a provocative date night treat.

Chocolate! What better way to induce some romance into your next date? Naughty Nannette, an LA based chocolatier, believes the alchemy of chocolate and spice is the perfect choice when it comes to cultivating romance.

Nannette explains, "Chocolate is special for an intimate date. There are over 300 chemicals in chocolate that have an effect on the nervous system. It can affect the brain by causing the release of certain neurotransmitters which effect our moods and emotions. Eating chocolate increases the levels of endorphins and serotonin, which lessens pain, decreases stress, and acts as an anti-depressant. Chocolate also releases a neurotransmitter called phenylethylamine also known as the "love drug" which causes feelings of excitement, alertness and quickens pulse much like the feeling of love."

Which elements help people feel connected?

"Believe it or not cayenne pepper in small doses adds heat to your lip which could inspire a bit of kissing. It causes the brain to secrete and enhance endorphins. Cinnamon, a fire herb, is also known to induce love. It's good for protection, prosperity, and lowers blood pressure which causes one to relax.

A fun idea for the dessert aspect of a date would be to share a chocolate brittle (which contains these ingredients) which you can make together or on your own before your date arrives," says Nannette.

We're warming up to this idea. Fill us in.

Chocolate Brittle Ingredients:

Fondue pot or double boiler
1 lb. of dark chocolate (Trader Joe's makes a good dark one)
1 teaspoon of cayenne
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
handful of walnuts or pecans - optional
wax paper
cutting board

Melt the full pound of chocolate between 110 and 120 degrees F slowly over low heat. When melting chocolate, avoid all contact with water! Chocolate will seize and become unworkable if it comes into contact with even a few droplets. Also take care to keep your heat consistent, chocolate is very delicate and can become lumpy or grainy if overheated. Add cayenne, cinnamon, nuts (optional) and mix together.

Cover a cutting board with wax paper and pour the chocolate mixture onto the board. Spread the mixture with a plastic spatula and send the chocolate into the freezer for 25 minutes to cool. Pull it out and you have chocolate with the perfect elements to feed to each other - perhaps accompanied by some red wine or champagne? Mmm, sounds like the start of something beautiful.

Want to learn more about Naughty Nannette's sweet treats?

Check out her deliciously risque chocolates at www.myspace.com/naughtynannette or email her at naughtynannette@gmail.com

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