Food for Love

Ayurveda is one of the most ancient and complete systems for total health and wellness. It was developed in India during the period 2000-1000 B.C. to address physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. One of the main branches of this "science of life" is "Aphrodisiacs".

While various herbs are commonly prescribed, there are also some tasty edibles that do the trick.

Since I'm not one to beat around the bush, here are some great recipes to get you in the mood, from my kitchen to yours, with love!

Lovely Lady Fingers- This is one of my tried-and-true favorite recipes, that looks and tastes beautiful. Serve with basmati rice, and baked or grilled salmon. This makes enough for two to indulge, four to have as a side.

Ingredients

1 lb. okra, sliced in quarter-inch rounds. make sure it is DRY. (use paper towel)

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper (serrano is great) chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

thumb's length of ginger, minced

dashes of cumin, turmeric, black pepper, ground coriander, salt, and garam masala

a handful of cilantro, chopped

the juice of 1 lime

1 tblsp. honey or agave nectar

1 tblsp. oil (I recommend olive or grapeseed)

Directions

1. Heat oil in large, non-stick pan on medium low.

2. Put in chopped okra and let sit for a few minutes, then carefully turn the okra over using a spatula. When both sides are a little browned, remove okra and set aside on a plate. It is important not to over-cook the okra because it will lose its color and succulent texture.

3. Now add onion to the pan, make sure there is still a little oil. Cook on medium low until the onion has softened.

4. Add garlic and ginger, as well as spices. Stir, and cook on lower heat until the spices have melted into the embrace of the onions.

5. Return okra to the pan, stirring. Squirt with lime juice and honey.

6. Fold cilantro into the mix, stir a few times, and serve!

Love Potion no.1 (Great for your Kapha lover, requires juicer, or a trip to the juice shop)

CARROT

APPLE

GINGER

There's not much more to say, really, besides that carrots have long been revered for their amorous qualities (whether this is due to a phallic resemblance or nutritional value I would love to know), apples represent Eve and somehow that makes them sexy, and perhaps the most legitimate Aphrodisiac here- ginger- aids and increases blood circulation, which is an essential for pleasure.

Love Potion no. 2 (The "Naughty" Potion. Serves 2.)

Ingredients:

3 cups milk (soy, whole, almond, rice....whatever)

2 tblsp. cocoa powder (I recommend Ghirardelli)

2-3 tblsp. honey

dashes of cinnamon, ground cardamom

3 drops of vanilla extract

3 drops of edible rosewater (optional. make sure it is for cooking use)

Directions:

Pour milk into a medium saucepan and heat gently over low flame, stirring, until the milk begins to steam. Add everything except rose water and stir rapidly, then let simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in rosewater, pour into mugs, and enjoy!