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When it comes to aphrodisiacs, C is probably the sexiest letter of the alphabet so get ready for some fun.

Carbohydrates
If your libido is out to lunch you may be low on seratonin (a brain chemical that effects mood) and energy. A carbo fix combined with a little tryptophan (an amino acid found in a variety of meat and dairy products) may increase seratonin levels, energy and desire.

Cardamom
According to traditional Indian herbal medicine, a nightcap of powdered cardamom that has been boiled with milk and mixed with honey can help cure impotence and premature ejaculation. They've got it covered coming and going!

Carrots
This popular root vegetable, with its phallic shape and sweet flavor, was used to seduce lovers by Middle Eastern royalty. Our question is: "Why does royalty needed to depend on carrots?"

Caviar
Caviar is considered an aphrodisiac for several reasons. Eggs are a symbol of fertility. Caviar, like Aphrodite who was born from sea foam, comes from the sea. Caviar, like many aphrodisiacs, is a very precious food that is reserved for special occasions. The best caviar is imported Beluga, and the best way to enjoy it is by the spoonful with chilled vodka or champagne. Less expensive varieties are great as a topping for roasted new potatoes, scooped out and filled with sour cream. You can find the recipe on page 43 of our book Food as Foreplay: Recipes for Romance, Love and Lust.

Celery
Good old Apium graveolens has quite the reputation. The Swedish cookbook author, C.E. Hagdahl wrote: "Celery is suspected to be somewhat sexually exciting or even straightforward arousing." Forget those phenol sprays that are supposed to make you more attractive to the opposite sex. Celery contains androsterone, a powerful male hormone that researchers believe is released through sweat and attracts females. This is a great way to get your recommended daily allowance of greens boys!

Champagne
Bubbly is lovely and makes any time of the day or night special. The bubbles actually help the alcohol get into the blood stream a little quicker so you get a buzz on toute suite. You don't have to spend big bucks to enjoy a little bubbly. We've tasted Crystal champagne and don't think it's worth $150 that is charged for a bottle. We like Möet White Star a bargain at around $23/bottle. If that's too steep try Korbel, an American made sparkling wine. Most guests won't know the difference.

Chocolate
Ellen's favorite food in the entire universe and one of the best known and best loved aphrodisiacs. Chocolate contains over 400 different chemicals including caffeine (see java) and phenylethylamine (PEA), a brain chemical that some scientists believe arouses the same feelings that we experience when we are in love. The Aztecs were the first chocoholics. They ground cocoa beans added spices and drank the bitter brew without sugar. Legend has it that Montezuma drank 50 cups of cocoa before entering his harem of several hundred women. In the mid 17th century chocolate developed a reputation as an aphrodisiac among chic Brits. For a recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate check out page 82 of our book, Food as Foreplay: Recipes for Romance, Love and Lust.

Cloves
This dried bud of an evergreen tree is one of the world's oldest, dearest and most expensive spices. Cloves were probably first used by the Chinese around 200 B.C. The word clove comes from the Roman word for tack, clovis. They were believed to have medicinal powers and still have a reputation as a powerful love food. Cloves have a warm, sweet almost peppery flavor that is frequently used to add character to cakes, fruit compotes, mulled wine and ham.

Cucumbers
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize why these cool vegetables are considered to be an aphrodisiac. The Chicago Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation found that women become aroused by the scent of cucumbers.