Temptations: Igniting the Pleasure and Power of Aphrodisiacs [Paperback]

Michael Albertson (Author), Ellen Albertson (Draft Writer)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 8, 2002

Eating and sex have never been such titillating bedfellows.

From the time Casanova proclaimed oysters "a spur to the spirit and to love," aphrodisiacs have been coveted for their sexually stimulating effects. However, the best ways to release and ignite their power have been shrouded in mystery.

Now, Ellen and Michael Albertson expose the hidden delights of aphrodisiacs -- ones you know about and many that will surprise you. From virgin-fresh basil to searing chiles, from edible blossoms to intoxicating vanilla, they present more than one hundred delicious and bedroom-tested edibles that are quickly made, fast-acting, and available in your pantry or supermarket. Here, too, are tips for incorporating aphrodisiacs into a creative love life -- including massage, aromatherapy, and foreplay.

Revealing new scientific discoveries and the secrets of lovers throughout the ages, the Albertsons show you how to:

Create more powerful orgasms with vitamins, minerals, and herbs

Design a six-day eating plan that will get you in shape for a weekend of sex

Prepare an erotic meal with only a few ingredients

Build a bigger, better penis

And more

Temptations will prepare you for tonight and beyond.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Forget about that expensive dinner out and start planning the ultimate at-home seduction with Temptations, an entertaining cookbook that also includes fascinating information on a whole world of edible aphrodisiacs.

We've all heard of the oyster's naughty reputation, but what about licorice, onions, and chili peppers? For each food or flavoring, authors Ellen and Michael Albertson (Food as Foreplay) don't just supply their own recipe: they also include such amusing quotes as, "Where there is no wine, there is no love" from Euripides, historical recipes from sources like Madame du Barry and Empress Josephine, and food trivia on everything from lobsters (a female is called a "hen") to cholesterol.

The Albertsons cook per the "K.I.S.S." rule--"keep it simple, sweetheart." Even so, most of the recipes require a certain level of kitchen aptitude. Anyone comfortable with a blender can handle the pesto or brandied fruit cocktail, but the roasted figs and French onion soup may be a bit overwhelming to the novice.

The final chapters are devoted to practical suggestions on improving your sex life, and include everything from babysitting tips to recommendations about daily vitamin supplements. Whether your sights are aimed at the kitchen or the bedroom, this warm little book can teach you the true meaning of temptation. --Jill Lightner

About the Author

Ellen and Michael Albertson are the hosts of Boston's popular weekly radio show The Cooking Couple™. Ellen, a Registered Dietician and medical journalist, has written for such magazines as Self and Natural Health. Michael is a chef and comedian who has written for Playboy and the Boston Herald. They live in Boston, Massachusetts.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (January 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743225287
• ISBN-13: 978-0743225281
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,204,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Unfunny and grating but interesting nonetheless, April 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Temptations: Igniting the Pleasure and Power of Aphrodisiacs (Paperback)

Fans of the Food Network's "Good Eats" will find a lot to like in this book that purports to be all about upping your potency and turning your partner on, but in actuality is really a bunch of food trivia. Interesting, yes. Will it improve your sex life? Doubtful.

The real turnoff here is the authors' irrepressible need to insert some schticky one-liner in every other paragraph. That would be fine if they were funny. Instead, they're sophomoric and annoying, and they make it difficult to read more than a couple pages at a time. It quickly becomes a test of endurance.