5 Valentine's Day Foods

When considering what to prepare for your significant other on St. Valentine's Day, it is useful to know about 5 Valentine's Day foods. We have compiled a selection of 5 different foods which are considered an aphrodisiac, and chosen an easy recipe for each.  Have fun this Valentine's Day!

1.  Valentine's Day Oyster Shooters. Oysters are renowned for their aphrodisiac properties. When the Greek goddess Aphrodite was born from the sea, she rode on an oyster shell. The following oyster recipe contains alcohol, which is also known for lowering inhibitions and acting to increase desire under the right circumstances.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups raw oysters
• 1 cup tomato juice
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 bottle top shelf vodka
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Shot glasses

Directions:

1. Combine tomato juice, horseradish and pepper, stirring thoroughly. 
2. Pour a half shot of tomato juice into shot glass and add a shot (1.5 ounces) of vodka.
3. Add one raw oyster.
4. Garnish with lemon wedge.

2.   White-Hot Hot Chocolate. Chocolate is supposed to contain the same chemicals which occur naturally in the brain during orgasm. It is no wonder that many a woman has fallen for a box of chocolates--and for the man who brought it.

Ingredients:

• 1 fluid ounce Bailey's Irish Cream
• 3-1/4 cups milk
• 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a double broiler, melt chocolate over water at a slow boil.
2. Stir until smooth, and then mix in pepper and cinnamon.
3. Whisk in egg and milk, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Do not allow a skin to form on top of the milk.
5. Remove from heat and whisk in Bailey's.
6. Transfer to mugs to serve.

3.    Truffle Oil Asparagus.  In the Far East, asparagus has been considered an aphrodisiac for centuries. Its reputation may be due to its shape or maybe because of its high nutrient content. Likewise, the musky scent of truffles is strongly associated with physical love.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of asparagus
• 2 tablespoons white truffle oil
• 1 -1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh black pepper

Directions:

1. Wash asparagus and trim 1 to 2 inches of woody stalk.
2. Combine truffle oil, olive oil, champagne vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper, stirring well. Set aside.
3. In a large saucepan bring 3 cups of salted water to a boil. Blanch asparagus for 3 minutes. Fork test for tenderness; asparagus should remain tender.  Remove from boiling water and dip in ice water. Drain.
4. Toss asparagus with truffle oil vinaigrette prior to serving. Serve at room temperature.  

4.    Cream Puffs.  Ah, pastries may not have a reputation as aphrodisiacs, but what discussion of Valentine's Day foods would be complete without them? For many, sweet indulgences are just as good as a stack of oysters on the half shell.

Ingredients:

• 1 (6 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs, well beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Prepare an ungreased baking sheet.
2. Combine vanilla pudding mix, cream and milk, blending thoroughly. Transfer to glass bowl and refrigerate to set.
3. In a large saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Stir in flour and salt, stirring until mixture thickens into a ball. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in beaten eggs, mixing well.
4. Drop batter by spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Centers should be dry.

5. Fill shells with pudding. Serve cold.    

5.    Valentine's Day Ginger Ale.  Ginger has long been used to stimulate sexual appetite and promote sexual well-being. In China, ginger has been used as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups cold water

Directions:

1. Place ginger, sugar, yeast and lemon juice in an empty 2-liter container. Fill to top with water and cover tightly with lid. Shake bottle well and store at room temperature for two days.
2. Strain and refrigerate prior to serving.