Valentines Should Know: InterCourses Cookbook Has the Recipe for Romance

If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach (or a woman's heart -- let's be equal here), then a fine feast might be just the thing for Valentine's Day or any other occasion that calls for a bit of romance.

Romantic chefs can cook up some passionate fare using the recipes in InterCourses: an aphrodisiac cookbook, by Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge.

The book first came out in 1997, chock full of tasty recipes and adorned with beautiful, eye-catching photos utilizing the amorous ingredients on sexy bodies. (Fig necklace or asparagus skirt, anyone?)

The book was successful enough to be re-released for a 10th anniversary edition, The New InterCourses: an aphrodisiac cookbook. This update has more than 145 recipes, testimonials from couples, and an appendix with resources for aphrodisiac products, recipes for massage oils and advice on how to serve what and when.

Many of the ingredients are staples with a sensual history, including chocolate, oysters, honey and strawberries, but the book also features a few surprises, including basil, rosemary, edible flowers and pine nuts.

My husband and I own the book and we've cooked quite a few recipes, all of them winners. The recipes center around the romantic ingredients, including a divine Black Russian Cake (it definitely brings the love), Honey-Glazed Salmon, Pine Nut Pie and much, much more.

Besides a personal cookbook to craft something for a loved one, it's also a great gift, either for a valentine who loves to cook, or it's a great wedding, bridal shower or anniversary gift.

From appetizers to main courses to succulent desserts, you're sure to have the sweetest of starts and the happiest of endings with these dishes.

The book is available at amazon.com or at www.intercourses.com, which is worth a visit. (And it offers a few superb recipes and features some beautiful art from the book to boot.)