What’s your sign? And what kind of wine goes with that?
Maui-based chef Sabra Ricci has combined her love of astrology with her zeal for cooking in her second book, “Sexy Star Sign Cooking: An Astrology Cookbook for Lovers,” due out Jan. 8. Ricci — whose celebrity clients include Jenny McCarthy, Cher and Julia Roberts — says the recipes capitalize on attributes of each zodiac sign and provide the perfect way to seduce your way into someone’s heart, even if you have go through the stomach first.
SCORPIO
Honey-lavender ice cream
The natural aphrodisiacs in honey and lavender are a perfect combination for Scorpio, which rules your body’s sexy bits. “It supports the health of the reproductive organ,” she says. “It’s been known to get people in the mood.”
LEO
Dark chocolate brownies with salted caramel sauce
“Everyone knows about the history of chocolate and that it creates the same endorphins and feelings as love,” Ricci says. “Leos are flamboyant. They like something over the top. This is a very decadent dessert.”
TAURUS
Spicy Manhattan clam chowder
It’s the seafood that makes this dish delish for you Tauruses, since sea-born Venus is the lord of your sign. “The scallops and everything represent Aphrodite, who was born from the sea and who is also tied in with Venus,” she says.
ARIES
Flaxseed banana Belgian waffles with whipped cream and warm maple syrup
“Aries rules the brain,” Ricci says. “ It’s the flax seed in the Belgian waffles that actually supports brain function and keeps the Aries brain at optimum speed.”
GEMINI old-fashioned blueberry betty
Get a Gemini going strong with this traditional, sweet baked dish, which complements Gemini’s rule of the body and lungs. “It’s for healthy lung function and also for boosting the libido,” she says. “To have a good libido, you need to be healthy.”
PISCES
Cinnamon rolls
Pisces, the sign that rules the immune system, can slip into the mood with just a pinch of cinnamon. “To have someone make it for you, it’s a very nurturing dish,” she says. Cinnamon “supports the immune system, which is very important for Pisces.”
CANCER
Ginger-chocolate creme brûlée
The digestive aid in ginger makes it soothing for Cancers. “It also has aphrodisiac properties, making it the perfect combination,” she says.
VIRGO
Chocolate-banana muffins
Bananas were a source of fertility in ancient times, and their vitamins help boost the Virgo-ruled nervous system. Even the humble muffin helps set the mood. “I’m married to a Virgo,” she says. “He’ll testify to this.”
LIBRA
Better-than-Mom’s turkey meatloaf
“It’s a comfort food to help soothe the Libra,” she says. “Libras need to feel balanced. They can get overly stressed.”
AQUARIUS
Rose petal martini
Roses aren’t just for show for Aquarians. The rose petal “has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties,” she says. “Aquarius rules the circulatory system, so this is a really beneficial dish, if a martini can be beneficial for more than getting someone in the mood.”
CAPRICORN
Mozzarella white calzones with marinara
Ooey gooey mozzarella can lead to sexy time? It’s true! “When you think about mozzarella, it doesn’t really bring to mind aphrodisiac qualities, but it’s really high in calcium,” Ricci says. “Capricorn rules the bones.”
SAGITTARIUS
Roasted Brussels sprouts gratin
“The Sagittarius rules the liver, and Brussels sprouts — it’s one of the healthiest foods. It can also act as a detox. And it helps the stamina.”