It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air so what is a more perfect aphrodisiac than food?
If you are planning to make a meal for a loved one, or taking them to your favourite restaurant, here’s some suggestions that will help to spice things up.
Oysters – if they were good enough for Casanova, who reportedly used to breakfast on 50 oysters, then that’s good enough for us! Best slurped fresh from the shell or add a drop of red wine vinegar or tabasco sauce for a different taste.
Chocolate – the Aztecs may have been the first on record to draw a link between the cocoa bean and sexual desire. It certainly makes you feel all warm inside so that’s enough for us!
Honey – Some say honey’s romantic reputation comes from an ancient custom in which newly married couples drank mead, a fermented beverage made with honey, until the first moon of their new union, so that’s fine with us. We’ll leave it to you how you take your honey but if it will get a bit sticky if you go down the 9 ½ Weeks route (are we showing our age by referencing this film?)
Figs – This was rumoured to be the favourite fruit of Cleopatra so need we say more? Try them drizzled with the aforementioned honey for an extra aphrodisiac kick!
Asparagus – The Greeks spoke of asparagus in their love poetry and the Kama Sutra advised drinking it as a paste, so it must be good. Packed with calcium, vitamin E and potassium, try it griddled with a splash of sesame seed oil, serve it with tuna in a salad or with a poached egg in hollandaise sauce.
Strawberries – what’s more romantic than a strawberry? It’s even shaped like a heart. If you come across a double strawberry, be sure to break it in half with someone special… an old legend promises that this will bring true love. Also lovely dipped in chocolate.
Artichoke – they may look funny but whether or not you believe in the romantic power of the artichoke, eating one certainly won’t hurt. They’re packed with healthy antioxidants and they’re delicious too!
Champagne – a romantic meal wouldn’t be the same without a glass of fizz. As Samuel Johnson said: “Love is like being enlivened with Champagne”, just make sure you don’t scrimp because you will taste the difference (and your other half may accuse you of being cheap). Laurent Perrier Rose is one of our personal favourites.
So, whether you eat in or out tonight, give some of the above a try and see what happens. Here’s a recipe for you to try:
Valentine’s Day Oysters
Ingredients:
6-8 fresh oysters
4 shallots, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 red chillis, de-seeded and finely chopped
4 limes, 1 zested and 4 juiced
chopped basil
chopped coriander
50ml olive oil
Method:
- Shuck the oysters, but keep the shells for presentation
- In a mixing bowl add the chilli, shallots, crushed garlic, lime juice and zest peppercorns the herbs. Mix in the olive oil and leave in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Place the oysters back in their shells and spoon over the marinade. Serve with a glass of champagne.
About Neil Shaefer
Marketing & Communications Executive of SK Foods.
Your food. Our Passion.
