Sexy Food part I - Aphrodisiacs in your everyday cooking

We all know about the naughty reputation of oysters (though some of us prefer not to go near that very, er, unique, texture). But who knew the humble almond could get your significant other hot under the collar? Or that the root word for "avocado" was something you probably wouldn't want your kids to hear?

Aphrodisiacs are all around our kitchen - and just like summoning the goddess in you that's just waiting to come out, cooking sexy can be as simple as looking at what's in the fridge.

Footsie SF's resident caterer, Carrie Primavera, sheds some light on foods that have been celebrated for their aphrodisiac powers throughout the centuries - and she uses them in all the food we serve at our parties. Sometimes it's based on the shape of the veg, other times it's the heat it lends your palate (and hence, your body). One thing's for sure though - these foods are best shared with someone special.

Almonds - A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female (almond perfume anybody?). Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.

Avocado - The Aztecs called the avocado tree Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree" (I told you, you don't want your kids to know.) The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

Carrots - Carrots are believed to be a male stimulant. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction (did Bugs Bunny know how sexy he was?). High in vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?

Honey - Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to "sweeten" the marriage.

**More aphrodisiac foods - and sizzling recpies -  coming in the next post!