10 Aphrodisiac Foods 10 Ways for Valentine’s Day

Do aphrodisiacs exist? Although there is no scientific proof, Valentine’s Day is a fun time to go along with the myth that certain foods are aphrodisiacs for various reasons. Whether they stimulate the brain, your stress and/or your energy levels, why not plan your Valentine’s day meal around them?

Here is a list of 10 of the most commonly accepted aphrodisiacs and some recipes to try them out with this Valentine’s day (in no particular order).

10 Aphrodisiac Foods

1. Honey

Although stories vary on why, in ancient times, honey was given to newlyweds to drink. Serve yours as your main dish with our BBQ Manitoba

Honey Chicken Breast (can be made indoors if barbecueing outside in the middle of February doesn’t sound appealing).

2. Chocolate

Chocolate is a guilty pleasure around the world, and Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without it. We recommend this winning recipe for Ginger Thumbprint Cookies With Dark and White Chocolate that combines a powerful mix of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger and both white and dark chocolate. It won first place in the Manitoba Food Blogger’s first bake-off last year.

If you don’t feel like baking, the brilliant Chocolatier Constance Popp will have plenty of artisan chocolates for you to choose from.

3. Oysters

Oysters are probably the most commonly known aphrodisiac. I don’t have any recipes for oysters because they are best enjoyed raw and chilled on a bed of ice, perhaps with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.

4. & 5. Salmon and Asparagus

I paired these two together because they share two other qualities besides being aphrodisiacs. They are both super foods and rich in flavour. Pair them with pasta for a fabulous main dish that will leave you wanting more. This Farfalle with Salmon and Asparagus is one of my favourite recipes.

6. Avocados

Avocados are rich in Vitamin E, a necessity for the organs in your body to function properly. They’re also an antioxidant. What could be more romantic than that? This Black Bean, Chickpea and Avocado Salad makes a complementary side to the Honey Chicken Breast.

7. Almonds

Ever notice how many bath products are almond scented? It’s sweet smell even makes you want to bite that almond-scented soap sometimes (don’t tell me I’m alone on this). Fortunately, you don’t have to eat the soap because almonds are a common ingredient used in baking. I have loved this Cranberry Almond Biscotti ever since Jenn introduced me to it in this post.

8. Chili Peppers

Chili peppers are exotic and stimulate endorphins. Enough said. If you like to spice things up, add it to your Valentine’s Day menu with this Chili Lime Vinagrette. It goes perfectly with a side salad.

9. Garlic

The list of reasons why garlic is an aphrodisiac are plentiful and often debated, but one thing is certain. Since ancient times, garlic has been used for its healing properties.

Combine it with four different kinds of herbs in this Creamy Herb Spread. Eat with veggies or spread on crackers while you wait for dinner to be ready.

10. Vanilla

The aroma is vanilla invigorating. Scents are retained in our brains by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls memory and emotion. Like almond, many perfumes, bath and body products come vanilla scented, and for a good reason.

Add some vanilla to your dessert with these scrumptious Coconut Cherry Brownies. Whether they’re a brownie or fruitcake is still up for debate — you decide.