But what about actually eating or drinking something, and experiencing a change in mood and sensation?   Does drinking a root beer float remind you of your first date, how sweet and innocent you felt all those years ago?  Or a bad experience like the smell of baked trout and the time you had to eat every bit of it placed on your plate,  because you got a D in Health class and your Mom said it would make you smarter?

Have you experienced a change in your mood based on something you had just indulged in?  That’s easy for me....my cayenne-infused hot chocolate!!!!!  I’m talking a full blown out-of-body experience after just one cup.... and knowing the chemical reactions are actually, really taking place inside me.  First the cayenne, or should I be more specific as the capsaicin in the cayenne, releases almost immediate endorphin from the heat on my tongue, sending brain signals from the opiate effects to increase “pleasure senses”.  Next, comes the effects of chocolate, which has a multitude of euphoric experiences that result from the phenylethylamines, flavanoids, theobromine, caffeine, thiamine...........is it really a wonder that it’s considered an aphrodisiac   Just in time for Valentine’s Day...................

Monique’s Hot Chocodesiac

6 oz. Gently heated light coconut milk

1-2 oz. good quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), melted in milk

1 t. cocoa powder

1/2 t. vanilla, or vanilla bean if available

1 t. coconut sugar

1/8 t. (more please if you’re making it for me!) cayenne or chipotle powder

1/4 t. cinnamon

Fresh whipped cream to top if desired with nutmeg

Our ability to remember things, some  we don’t even realize we remember, is remarkable.  We come across these phenomenons in our lives and it catches us off guard.  Some reactions actually have to do with the chemicals and neurotransmitters signaling hormones to effect our homeostasis, other times it’s an aroma.  Do you have an experience effecting Food with Mood you would like to share?