Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Welcome to the final day of #TripleSBites - Spicy, Saucy, and Sexy Bites for Valentines' Day and Beyond. On this closing day, I'm sharing a sweet treat that's laced with cinnamon and nutmeg, laden with ginger. Just for fun, here are the (purported) aphrodisiac qualities to this cake... Cinnamon : Eating cinnamon heats up your body and, perhaps, increases your sex drive.  Nutmeg : This spice’s aphrodisiac reputation dates back to early Hindu cultures, where it was believed nutmeg’s warming properties stimulated sexual appetites. On a practical level, nutmeg can increase attraction with its ability to sweeten breath.  Ginger : Like chili peppers, ginger increases circulation and body temperature. Legend has it that famous French courtesan Madame du Barry provided ginger to all of her lovers to increase their desire and improve their pleasure. I had a completely different dessert planned to end this #TripleSBites event. But when I received the V-etched Spice ...

Many books have been written about aphrodisiac foods. Many, many, many. So, what are aphrodisiacs? Aphrodisiacs are named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Her roman name is Venus. I've always loved this painting by Botticelli: Nascita di Venere , the birth of Venus. Nascita di Venere by Sandro Botticelli 1486 An aphrodisiac is anything that enhances one's mood for love; it can include tasty food, titillating conversation, a romantic moonlit stroll, or lacy lingerie! Aphrodisiacs may directly affect an the erogenous zones; they may also affect the mind, encourage relaxation and enhance lovemaking. Their shape, texture or smell may be reminiscent of sex.  Both sex and food are pleasurable and physical. Whether you place any stock in the power of aphrodisiacs, I encourage you to share meals with your beloved. Give thanks. Enjoy beautiful, delicious, and healthful food. Eat al fresco ; food tastes great when eaten outside. Relish the sensation of ea...