History is ripe with the human pursuit of aphrodisiacs in many forms, particularly food. Scientific tests have proven that some aromas can cause a greater effect on the body than the actual ingestion of foods. For any celebration of love, these books can help you plan and cook a romantic and sensual dinner for your loved one.
1. The New InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook
by Martha Hopkins, Randall Lockridge (Terrace Publishing)
Not many cookbooks can claim to be sexy as well as functional. This one brings sex to the kitchen in a classy, entertaining manner with not only more than 85 recipes, but also a collection of sensual food art. History, lore and recipes are all designed to get the saliva flowing as well as the blood. Hardback.
Not many cookbooks can claim to be sexy as well as functional. This one brings sex to the kitchen in a classy, entertaining manner with not only more than 85 recipes, but also a collection of sensual food art. History, lore and recipes are all designed to get the saliva flowing as well as the blood. Hardback.
2. Temptations: Igniting the Pleasure and Power of Aphrodisiacs
by Ellen and Michael Albertson (Simon and Schuster)
The authors, who call themselves The Cooking Couple, delve into the history and mystery of a wide variety of natural food aphrodisiacs from oysters and chocolate to herbs and spices. The truly amorous will enjoy the detailed instructions for an edible orgy, complete with planning guide, menus and recipes. Paperback.
The authors, who call themselves The Cooking Couple, delve into the history and mystery of a wide variety of natural food aphrodisiacs from oysters and chocolate to herbs and spices. The truly amorous will enjoy the detailed instructions for an edible orgy, complete with planning guide, menus and recipes. Paperback.
3. 50 Ways to Feed Your Lover
by Janeen A. Sarlin & Jennifer Rosenfeld Saltiel (William Morrow and Co.)Some of America's most famous restaurant and television chefs share their recipes to put you and your loved one in a romantic mood for any occasion whether it be birthday, anniversary, engagement, Valentine's Day or just because. The chef recipes are accompanied by their own personal experiences, anecdotes and tips. Hardcover.
4. A Taste For Love : A Romantic Cookbook for Two
by Elizabeth M. Harbison and Mary McGowan (Random House)Along with such recipes as Pleasantly Puffed Scallops and Chocolate Kahlua Souffle, this book also offers menus, decorating ideas, music suggestions, and poems. From perfect picnics to breakfast in bed, you're sure to find something to get that special someone in the mood. Hardcover.
5. Dinner Dates : A Cookbook for Couples Cooking Together
by Martha Cotton (Avon Books)This book takes the concept of cooking together a step further to divvy up the cooking chores with step-by-step instructions for each partner. The recipe instructions are designed to induce pleasurable cooperation, suitable for all levels of kitchen competence from novice to experienced cook. The taste of humor insures a fun and pleasurable result. Paperback.
6. Cooking in the Nude : Playful Gourmets
by Debbie and Stephen Cornwell (Howell Press)This playful couple offers such recipes as Exotic Erotic Chicken, Sea Nymph Promise and Hanky Panky Greens. The flirtatious recipes are offered up with a good dose of humor. As the warning label states: Excessive use of this book may result in lack of sleep. Best to reserve these meals for those very special occasions. Paperback.
7. Food as Foreplay : Recipes for Romance, Love and Lust
by Ellen and Michael Albertson (Alexandria Press)A predecessor to 50 Ways to Feed Your Lover, this one is no less fun or appetizing. Pantry basics list foods and flavorings to have on hand for quick romantic meals. Menus and recipes cover wooing that special someone, rainy days and comfort foods. Recipes are twice-tested in the kitchen and once in the bedroom. Ooh-la-la. Paperback.
8. Cooking in the Nude : Quickies
by Debbie and Stephen Cornwell (Howell Press)Full of punny recipes, innuendos, quips and kitchen fun, this book in the series follows suit in bringing lust to the palate. The hook to this book is all the recipes can be quickly made in less than an hour, leaving plenty of time for amour. Paperback.
9. Seduction and Spice : 130 Recipes for Romance
by Rudolf Sodamin (Rizzoli)The rich velveteen cover of this book gives only a hint of the treasures within. Color photographs illustrate the dishes. Conversational sidebars and an aphrodisiac glossary enhance the offerings of this past Food Arts Silver Spoon award-winner.
10. Venus in the Kitchen : Or Loves Cookery Book
by Norman Douglas (Bloomsbury USA)The famed witty author delves deeply into aphrodisiacs with wit and surpisingly sober interest in this volume. Even if some of the exotic ingredients (such as crane, leopard marrow or skink) are unavailable or don't quite seem appealing to the palate, the recipes are certainly interesting reading for the foodie who normally tries anything once. Paperback.
