Dinner & A Movie: Recipes Inspired by ‘Like Water For Chocolate’

This awesome movie contains a lot of great cooking ideas and uses food as a symbol throughout. But before we get to the cooking scenes, I’d just like to encourage you to watch this popular Spanish-language film if you haven’t already (I’m pretty sure it’s on Netflix)!

Like Water for Chocolate revolves around Tita, the youngest daughter of a strict and overbearing mother, fated never to marry due to a long family tradition binding the youngest daughter to her mother as lifelong caretaker. In love with a man named Pedro, but unable to truly express her emotions towards him, she utilizes cooking as an outlet in some very funny and symbolic scenes. For example, when Pedro ends up marrying her sister, the upset Tita prepares a wedding cake which causes vomiting, nausea, and a powerful longing for their true love in all who eat from it (I’ve had such meals before excluding the powerful love longing).

In another more comedic scene, Tita feels especially in love with Pedro and channels those emotions in the kitchen. After eating from the resulting meal, Tita’s second sister, Gertrudis, becomes overcome by passion and runs off with a group of passing soldiers, butt naked. The movie manages to be highly symbolic, funny, and contemplative all at once, making it perfect for a night in with loved ones.

Inspired by the magical food in Like Water for Chocolate, here are some great recipes famed for their aphrodisiac effects:

1. Grilled Oysters (via Food Network)

Using the rumored aphrodisiac, this delicious dish is tasty and just might create powerful emotions in the bedroom. Prepare with butter, cheese, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, and cayenne pepper.

2. Chicken and Avocado Pizza (via All Recipes)

(Photo via yelp)

As far back as the Aztecs, avocado was popularly believed to have aphrodisiac properties. Perhaps it’s the vitamin E or perhaps it’s all just absolute nonsense, but I can guarantee this pizza will be really yummy. All Recipes calls for lemon juice, avocado, tomatoes, garlic, and more.

3. Saffron Paella (via My Colombian Recipes)

Saffron was believed to be an aphrodisiac by many of the ancient civilizations. Combining with paella makes for a tasty and filling dinner.

4. Baked Asparagus (via Natasha’s Kitchen)

Known as an aphrodisiac to the Romans, Arabs, and Indians (at least) this awesome plant’s preparation time is only 15-20 minutes. Galen described it as a cleansing and healing plant, asparagus has also been recommended for digestive problems, hypertension, and acne.

5. Flourless Chocolate Cake (via Food Network)

Try this yummy chocolate cake without flour, for a less fattening dessert.

6. Love Potion Tea (via Food)

(Photo via tealish)

This ancient love potion recipe I found on food.com uses rosemary, black tea, thyme, nutmeg, mint, rose petals, and lemon leaves. Use at your own risk?

Will you be trying any of these recipes?

Featured image via