Valentine's Day = love and....

It's Valentine's day today....

And although this post is coming to you a little late to do anything with, it's better late then never.  I'll try harder for upcoming holidays to plan ahead.  Which is strange I didn't for the Day of Amore because I'm a major planner

So, in honor of this most lovey-ist of days, I'm providing you with a stash of recipes to help turn up the heat.  Yeah, you know what I mean.... Oh, and BTW, don't think you have to wait for next Valentine's day to surprise your sweetie with these nosh-worthy treats..I give you permission to make them any day of the year!

Oysters:

We've all heard it before, oysters are the best aphrodisiac out there.  While some say it's their appearance that causes the appeal, oysters are a great source of libido-lifting zinc.  Want to try oysters for yourself?  They're incredibly versatile but you'll want to buy them fresh. 

To Steam:  

Boil 3/4" of water or beer on high in a pot.  Add oysters and reduce heat to medium.  Steam 5-10 minutes or until most of them have opened.  Serve hot.

To Fry:

Shucked oysters

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup bread crumbs

2-3 Tbs vegetable oil

salt, pepper, lemon wedges and any condiments you want.

Drain shucked oysters in a colander; dip oysters in eggs, then bread crumbs coating each oyster.  Set aside to dry for about 30 minutes. 

Heat oil in a frying pan until quite hot.  Fry oysters 3-4 minutes on each side.  Serve hot with lemon wedges, hot sauce, tartar sauce, or whatever your fancy

Salmon

 Image courtesy of microwaverecipe.net

Oh yes, friends, that delicious and super healthy pink fish is great for your *ahem* life too!  Full of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon improves your cholesterol and reeuce blood pressure to improve circulation.  And you know what happens when you let your blood "circulate."  

My favorite way to make Salmon is in a foil pouch on the grill.  Place salmon on heavy-duty foil, add a bit of butter, fresh dill and rosemary, a bit of pepper and lemon juice.  Fold up and roll edges to seal in steam and place on a hot bbq until salmon is cooked through.  Usually takes about 10 minutes depending on how thick your fillet is.  Check often as overcooked salmon is not great.  Fish should be opaque and flake apart.

Less-known dinner-food aphrodesiacs:

Garlic

 image courtesy of timesunion.com

Garlic might not be the BEST choice before kissing, but if you both eat it, it's great!  The allicin in garlic can increase blood flow to the sex organs.  These are just the facts, ma'am....

Dark Chocolate

(I saved the best for last.....)

Image courtesy of omninfo.com

Dark chocolate contains good-mood-boosting seritonin and phenylethylamine (which can mimic the feeling of being in love...)  So, single people out there:  you don't need a partner, you just need MORE CHOCOLATE!

Where, oh where, do I start for chocolate recipes...Oh man, this could be 10 million blogs just on its own....  Some of my favorite ways to eat dark chocolate:

Chocolate Fondue:

Melt dark chocolate slowly, stirring often, in a fondue pot or double boiler or very slowly and on very low heat in a microwave. Once melted, dip to your hearts desire!  Strawberries, cherries, apples, blueberries, pound cake, pretzels, marshmallows, or cookies. 

Double Chocolate Brownies:

You don't get this recipe yet..it's my favorite thing in the world and I'm planning an entire post around this one recipe.... Keep checking back!

Wat more?? 

Check out these 30 Dark Chocolate Desserts in this incredible post from Better Homes and Gardens

For more ideas on aphrodisiac foods, go here or here

Sources:  http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/valentines-day-food-put-mood/story?id=12896699