Since I'm getting ready to work at the Santa Rosa Farmer's Market tomorrow and then up the coast for some rest, relaxation and romance(?), I'm going to keep this week's post short and sweet. Here's an little cordial you can create to have on hand throughout the year, for whenever you may want to get "in the mood". It takes a while to come of age, but I guarantee, it's worth the wait. And it will give you something to do while you are waiting for my more in depth talk on "Nutrition for Lovers" coming up on the 24th (see calendar on my website www.passionpalate.com.

We'll check in in a month or so and see how it's coming...

"In the Mood" Damiana-Orange-Chocolate Cordial

(recipe from Jeannine Pollak's book Healing Tonics)

Read recipe all the way through, because there are some time gaps between stages.

1 oz. damiana leaves

1 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise, seeded

1/4 C. sliced fresh orange rind

2. C. brandy

1 C. honey or maple syrup

1/4 C. chocolate syrup

1 T. vanilla extract

1 T. orange blossom water

Place damiana, vanilla bean and orange rind in a wide mouthed jar.

Cover with brandy, cover jar, shake well every day for 2 weeks. Store at room temperature and out of direct light and heat.

Add the rest of the ingredients and steep for 2 more weeks, shaking daily.

Strain, squeezing all liquid possible from the herbs. Save the vanilla bean but discard the rest of the herbs. Rebottle cordial and add the vanilla bean back in. Let sit in a dark place for 1 more month.

To use: Sip in small amounts (this is alchohol) as a delicious love treat to help set the mood and enhance all the senses.

Note: Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca) is a relatively small shrub native to Central America, Mexico, South America and the West Indies. It produces small, aromatic flowers which blossom early to late summer and are followed by fruits that taste similar to figs. The shrub is said to have an odor somewhat like chamomile or Cannabis sativa, due to volatile oils present in the plant. The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea used and beloved by native people of Central and South America (as well as modern herbalists) for its aphrodisiac effects. Spanish missionaries first recorded that the Mexican Indians drank Damiana tea mixed with sugar for its ability to enhance sensuality and lovemaking.

(www.damiana.com)