Years ago, I read a book by Dr Cynthia Watson called "Love Potions." It's a fun book about aphrodisiacs, love tonics and the power of sex. Whether you believe in love potions or not, many foods do have aphrodisiac qualities -- and one of those is the vanilla bean.
Vanilla's flavor and scent is believed to increase lust. In decades gone by, French perfume makers wanted to reserve vanilla for themselves, so they spread false rumors that vanilla was harmful if eaten to try to discourage bakers from using it all.
This recipe is one that I adapted from "Love Potions." It's not the exact same one in the book, but the power of the vanilla aphrodisiac still holds true. Try it for Valentine's Day!
Vanilla Aphrodisiac Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 12 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt
- 1/2 banana
- 1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
- Warm milk, cloves and cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove seeds from vanilla pod and add them to mixture.
- Stir occasionally until hot but not boiling.
- Remove and allow to cool for one hour.
- Refrigerate four hours until completely chilled.
- Strain milk to remove spices.
- Add milk, frozen yogurt, banana and honey to blender.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Pour into two chilled glasses.
- Serve with other other half of banana.
Points and Prizes Keyword: FROZEN worth 50 points good through 02/10/08.
