Edible Aphrodisiacs

Everyone has heard of aphrodisiacs -- those delicious little tidbits that tickle your tummy and whet your sexual appetite. Do they really work? For centuries, satisfied couples have sworn by them, although scientists say the effects are inconclusive. At MyPleasure, we think it's up to you. Try these lust-inducing goodies and decide for yourself!

• Peaches: The Chinese have known for centuries that this ripe, sensual fruit is as engaging to the sex drive as it is to the palate. Select firm, unblemished fruit, and then store it in a paper bag until it's perfectly ripe. Feed it to your lover whole for a juicy, delectable delight.
• Bananas: Their phallic shape makes bananas a favorite with sensuality-minded chefs. Try Bananas Foster, a flaming dessert dish that combines bananas with rum, butter, brown sugar and ice cream.
• Pine Nuts: The staple of every good pesto dish, these tiny tree seeds have been used as an aphrodisiac since Roman times. Toss a handful into a food processor with fresh basil, olive oil, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese for a light, lusty pasta topper.
• Mussels: Believe it or not, these mollusks pack a bigger punch than their notorious oyster cousins -- try them steamed with garlic and white wine for a quick, sexy fix!
• Asparagus: You may not like all the biological aftereffects of asparagus, but its phallic shape has made asparagus one of the more sensual vegetables. Steam trimmed stalks in butter and salt, and then eat them with your fingers.
• Cucumbers: Not just phallic in shape and aphrodisiac in nature, these cool vegetables also stimulate a woman's olfactory senses, according to recent research. Slice raw cucumbers onto a salad, or served them pureed in a chilled soup.
• Onions: Your breath may smell wicked after you eat these multi-layered vegetables, but you'll love what they do for your libido! Used in ancient Hindu, Egyptian and Arabic kitchens, onions are one of the oldest-known edible aphrodisiacs. Share a bowl of French onion soup with your lover and see what happens!
• Truffles: We don't mean the kind from See's Candies, but rather the rare mushroom-like delicacies prized by French chefs. Napoleon, the Marquis de Sade and Madame Pompadour all ate them for their amatory powers -- root some out and try them for yourself!
• Caviar: We don't know if it's the costly price tag or the high protein content, but fish eggs have been prized by such expert lovers as Casanova, Dostoevsky and Rasputin. Fork over the dough and spoon some on a cracker.
• Chocolate: Scientists have now established what women have known for centuries -- chocolate is one of the most effective aphrodisiacs available. Bring your lover some Godiva, devil's food cake or chocolate-covered strawberries and watch her swoon with delight.