Cooking with Aphrodisiacs: 3 Valentine’s Day Recipes

Valentine’s Day is on the horizon and there’s no better way to win hearts than through the tastebuds. Our teams have whipped up some recipes featuring all-star culinary aphrodisiacs. From well-known favorites like chocolate and oysters to surprising ingredients like asparagus, here are four recipes to try this Valentine’s Day. And for the singles out there, you better treat yourself too.

Oysters
Venetian-lover extraordinaire, Casanova, is known for his high oyster consumption, possibly eating a dozen a day. The suggestive power of oysters is backed up by scientific research. Oysters contain high levels of zinc, which is vital for testosterone production, and they contain the brain chemical dopamine, which increases desire.

Try it at home with Shaker + Spear’s Oysters with Champagne Mignonette recipe.

Asparagus
Cultures all over the globe have celebrated the aphrodisiac qualities of asparagus for centuries. It’s packed with high amounts of vitamin E, calcium and potassium, the perfect vitamin mixture for an extra boost of energy. There are also high amounts of a B vitamin known as folate, that aids in increasing histamine, important for a healthy appetite.

Try it at home with Red Star Tavern’s Crisp Asparagus with Raclette Fonduta, Arugula and Pecan Vinaigrette.

Chocolate
We don’t need science to tell us that chocolate is a fail-safe. Chocolate contains a stimulating chemical known as phenylethylamine that helps stimulate a sense of excitement and wellbeing. And for extra heart benefits, go for dark chocolate that’s at least 75 percent cacao. The Aztecs didn’t call cacao “nourishment of the Gods” for nothing!

Try it at home with Red Star Tavern’s Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mousse recipe.

Because one chocolate recipe is never enough, here’s one other option, featuring  this recipe for Homemade Almond Joys from Chef Heather Terhune of Tre Rivali and The Outsider.