Looking to spice up your romantic
getaway? Throughout the Caribbean, you'll find aphrodisiacs sold in
markets and roadside stands. Usually said to be "for the
man," these potions are said to be powerful enough to
"make your man as strong as a bull." You'll have to judge
for yourself.
·Mannish water.
Made from goat's head, mannish water is sometimes called power
water. A real rarity on restaurant menus, usually mannish water is
bought at a roadside stand where you might have it with roasted yam.
This spicy soup is made with goat head (some cooks include tripe and
feet as well), garlic, escallion, cho-cho, green bananas, Scotch
bonnet peppers, and spinners. White rum is an optional ingredient.
·Irish Moss.
One of the most unusual drinks in the Caribbean is Irish Moss, made
from a seaweed extract. Reported to be a health drink as well as an
aphrodisiac, this drink is typically sold "for the man."
Definitely an acquired taste.
·Cowcod soup.
Another one of those infamous Jamaican aphrodisiacs, cowcod soup is
usually sold at roadside stands and includes bananas, pepper and
white rum.
·Bois Bandé.
Most popular in St. Lucia, this tree is used to produce a potent
liqueur that some swear by. In the Castries market, you can purchase
the bark and use it to prepare a "special" tea.
·Conch. You're probably familiar with this mollusk because
of its shell: a beautiful pink curl nearly a foot long that, when
blown by those in the know, can become an island bullhorn. The shell
covers a huge piece of white meat with a rubbery texture. Many
islanders swear by its aphrodisiac qualities; even if it doesn't
work, conch is so tasty it's well worth a try.
Ready to try your luck? Here are a
few conch recipes designed to bring the loving feeling of the
islands to your home. Conch is available in most specialty markets
and large seafood shops.
Conch
Fritters
3 medium conch, chopped
2 onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups water
3 hot peppers or to taste
2 tablespoons thyme
4 cups flour
4 tablespoons baking powder
Oil for frying
Mix all ingredients except oil.
Mix thoroughly and let stand 10 to 20 minutes. Heat oil in deep
fryer. Scoop batter in full teaspoons, drop into hot oil. Fry until
brown.
Cracked Conch
2-3 medium conch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons flour
3 eggs, beaten
Oil for frying
Prepare conch. Cut in half and
flatten with meat mallet. Marinate in lemon juice; refrigerate for a
half hour. Remove conch from lemon juice and dip into beaten eggs
then dredge in flour. Fry in skillet or deep fryer until golden
brown.
Husband and wife team Paris
Permenter and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks and also
edit the FREE Lovetripper.com
a romantic travel magazine featuring worldwide destinations.
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