Recipes inspired by aphrodisiacs

Looking to spice things up in the bedroom this Valentine’s Day? Although the verdict is still out on whether food has any significant impact on sexual desire, ancient folklore and some scientific tests indicate it doesn’t hurt to get romance started in the kitchen. Get into the mood this Feb. 14 with these tasty, aphrodisiac-inspired recipes.

Avocado starter salad

Serving size 4

Aphrodisiacs Info reveals that avocados have been thought to increase sexual desire dating all the way back to the time of the Aztecs. That’s a long history of romance! This creamy and delicious fruit is a splendid way to start your Valentine’s Day meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups packed spring greens
• 1 avocado, cubed
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, toss together the spring greens, half the avocado cubes, green onions, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.
2. Place the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard and salt in a resealable container, and shake to combine.
3. Pour dressing over the salad bit by bit, stirring as you go, until the salad is dressed to your liking.
4. Divide into bowls, sprinkle with the remaining avocado cubes, and serve.

Did you know bananas are also thought to be an aphrodisiac? Whip up a batch of this banana “ice cream” >>

Garlic asparagus side

Serving size 4

Whether asparagus rose to aphrodisiac fame simply because of its suggestive shape is still being debated, but regardless, it makes for a delicious, light side dish, and the vitamins it contains will give your body the strength you need for whatever you have planned for the remainder of the evening. And when you pair it with garlic — which scientific studies indicate helps with circulation and getting the blood pumping — you’re in for a good night!

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of asparagus, ends removed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add in the garlic, shallots and salt. Cook for a minute or two.
3. Add in the asparagus, and continue cooking for 7–10 minutes or until the asparagus and shallots become tender. Turn the asparagus regularly to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove from heat, and serve.

Check out more foods that get you in the mood >>

Raw chocolate almond truffles

Serving size 15

Of all the foods out there, the fact that chocolate contains certain chemicals that trigger the “pleasure centre” in our brains makes it one of the most widely studied aphrodisiacs. And according to the Huffington Post, almonds were considered a fertility symbol throughout antiquity. So we’ve put the two together to create these delicious raw chocolate almond truffles.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 dates, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon agave nectar or honey (more or less to taste)
• Water

Directions:

1. Place the almonds, chocolate chips, coconut, cinnamon, dates and sweetener of choice in a food processor. Blend until the ingredients form a crumbly mixture.
2. If the mixture doesn’t seem to be coming together after 2–3 minutes, add water one tablespoon at a time, and pulse in between until the mixture sticks together more easily.
3. Roll the dough into balls with your hands.
4. Store in a resealable container in the fridge until needed.

More on Valentine’s Day

Make your own Valentine’s Day candy
Seductive sippers: Valentine’s Day martinis
Valentine’s Day desserts