New InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook Book

Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Intercourses is a fun cookbook about the link between food and sensuality that is sexy enough to make a good romantic gift but is also full of really good, practical food. I love this cookbook and although I can't say that it has done much for my love life, it has provided me with some fantastic meals. It's a beautiful book to look at, a fun book to read, and full of great things to eat.

This cookbook works on two levels. On one level, it's a romantic, slightly sexy book that is PG enough that you can have it out on your shelf all the time. It has some lovely photography that is more or less safe for work, but also sexy. Most of the recipes come with a little story about a real couple and a memory they have about food.

The book includes recipes for edible flowers, plus recipes for massage oils, a guide for what to serve at any hour of the day, a seasonal guide, and suggested recipes for different stages of a relationship, complete with a playlist. Recipes for food include obvious choices like chocolate, oysters, and strawberries, and surprises like asparagus, basil, and pine nuts. Every section has an introduction that addresses why particular foods were chosen. Let's just say that I'll never look at an artichoke the same way again.

- Carrie S.