Large Birds and Small Birds Summary

Game birds are said to have aphrodisiac qualities, though domestic birds, such as chickens and turkeys, do not. Domestic birds are considered melancholy birds because they are typically kept caged, fed inferior feed, shot up with hormones and antibiotics, and subjected to artificial light, which causes them to grow too fast and lay eggs as if obsessed. Allende does note that free-range poultry, if one can find it, can be included in an erotic cuisine.

Allende notes that doves, which are often associated with Christian peace and safety from the storm, were originally associated with Aphrodite, Astarte, and Juno, goddesses of sexuality. In Indian mythology, doves represent copulation and life. In spite of the religious symbolism associated with doves, Allende and Panchita include one recipe for preparing doves as an aphrodisiac.

Allende suggests purchasing fowl...