Spring is my favourite season for so many reasons. Our bodies, our minds, the earth, and the air become energized. Blood flows like tree sap, and an inhales feels more invigorating than it has in months. I relish tidying my spaces, shedding winter layers, and letting spring air kiss my skin. But spring fever isn’t just for fresh air, open windows, and crisp hikes—it’s for getting frisky.

Whether you’re knocking mud off your boots after a morning in the garden or literally knocking boots, the post-exertion fuel you choose deserves some special attention. And a well-considered snack can take sexual appetite to a whole other level. As I embrace the season, I wonder: what is the ultimate post-lovemaking treat to embrace spring fever? 

Pleasure doesn’t have to end when bodies part. I believe we can extend the moment by making the snack as gratifying as the act. We can continue to heighten our senses, and tenderly care for them. Each time I’ve had the foresight to pick up a pastry or prepare a little snack plate after an intimate afternoon, it’s turned a weekend rendezvous into a treasured memory. 

A post-sex snack only has a few criteria: it needs to be simple, satisfying, and sensationally interesting. Inspired by the harmony of erotic partnership, I’m pairing ingredients in a way that celebrates the magic of the union. The following is a tribute to spring, starring rhubarb, peas, herbs, and radishes.

Post-sex pairings

Opposites do attract—juicy with silky, spicy with creamy, chewy with crunchy, snappy with soft. These combinations can be reimagined no matter the season by finding any prime produce’s textural or taste counterpart. 

Chocolate Sandwich. Toast is amongst the most popular snacks after any depleting activity. Slathering the airy crumb of a fresh baguette with butter and layering snappy dark chocolate feels so rich and right. Add a smear of raspberry jam or marmalade for a bright finish.

Checkerboard Cheese and Radish. Radishes are my alarm bell for spring produce, but they need a good source of fat to balance the spiciness, such as your favourite local soft cheese. Arrange them into a pool of olive oil and lemon juice with a generous pinch of flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper. 

Salmon with Cucumber Ribbons. Salmon is my favourite treat for when I need to feel nourished. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin slices of cucumbers, fold them to create ribbons then tuck between slices of smoked or cured salmon. Drizzle with olive oil and dot with capers.

Rhubarb and Cream. Few things are more sensationally divine than a tart rhubarb compote with vanilla sweet whipped cream. This needs no additions. 🥕

Spring ranch with peas

My ode to spring green. This spring ranch is vibrant thanks to plenty of herbs blended with dairy and umami boosters. It’s the perfect complement for a handful of crisp and sweet snap peas.

½ cup diced spring onions, from about 6

1 ½ cup herb leaves such as parsley and cilantro

1 garlic clove

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream

½ cup mayo

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons tahini 

1 teaspoon salt

Pepper to taste

In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Chill for at least two hours before serving. Enjoy with chips, bread or crudité. Use it as a spread in a sandwich or add a smear to your favourite grain bowl. Store in fridge for up to 1 week.

Spiced cherry spritz

Hydration, no matter the physical activity, is of utmost importance, and cherry juice is believed to support muscle recovery. My take on a homemade cherry cola bridges this season’s cravings perfectly. Cozy spices ground you in the lingering warmth of the moment, while the effervescence mirrors the lightness and electric sensations still coursing through your body. 

For the spiced syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup brown sugar

¼ teaspoon five spice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

A few slices of ginger

1 piece of star anise

1/4 teaspoon salt

Juice and zest of 1 lime

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the spritz (makes one drink):

Ice

1 oz /  2 tablespoons spiced syrup

2 oz / ¼ cup cherry juice

Sparkling water

A few dashes of orange bitters

Make the spiced syrup ahead of time by combining the ingredients—except the lime and vanilla—in a pot. Bring to a boil on medium high heat, then reduce to a simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat, add lime zest, lime juice and vanilla extract, and allow to fully cool. Strain and store syrup for up to two weeks.To serve, fill a Rocks or Collins glass with ice. Pour in syrup and cherry juice then stir. Top with sparkling water, orange bitters and garnish of choice.