Valentine’s Day Round-Up: 5 Foods and 10 Recipes that will Satisfy & Please (Your Appetite)
Love it or hate it, the day will soon be upon us.
You know the one we’re talking about…Valentine’s Day. To be honest, we’re not terribly big on Valentine’s Day and the hearts and chocolate (give us chips over chocolate any day) and all that comes with it. But that won’t stop us!
Last year, we featured 5 Heart-Healthy Foods that will help you feel good and treat your body right. (Who said that Valentine’s Day has to be a couples thing?) We even put together an awesome infographic of these good-for-you foods.
But this year, we’re going to do something a little more fun.
Certain foods have always been thought of to be aphrodisiacs. Now whether that’s true or not, you can be the judge of that! We, however, have picked out 5 foods that have some serious “love power” and compiled some of our favorite recipes to go along with them. Even if these foods don’t have the, ahem, desired effect, we know one thing for sure –
Everyone will absolutely love these meals and have one delicious Valentine’s Day!
Avocado
Foods can be considered an aphrodisiac by their shape, their smells, or some kind of chemical property in them. Avocados definitely fall into the “shape” category. Soft, creamy, sensuous, and curvy, this buttery, mild fruit is perfect for any meal of the day.
Keep it simple and light with our Citrus and Avocado Salad, which will leave you refreshed enough for whatever activities you have planned for the day.
How to Make a Refreshing Citrus and Avocado Salad in 15 Minutes
This simple salad highlights its two star ingredients, citrus and avocado, in the most delicious way. Read more.
Our Guacamole gets a little naughty by kicking it up a notch with spicy sriracha sauce!
Elevate Your Snack Game With Quick Sriracha Guacamole
We give regular guacamole a kick with a not-so-secret ingredient - Sriracha! A few drops will transform plain guac into… Read more.
Honey
You don’t call your loved one “honey” (or use the term “honeymoon,” for that matter) for no reason! This sweet treat is smooth, syrupy, and has a slightly floral sweetness that will make you and your sweetheart swoon with desire.
A quick and easy meal will allow you to have more time for…other things. Honey is added to the peanut sauce in our Shrimp Peanut Noodles, along with ginger and hot sauce, which are great for spicing things up. But this recipe is so amazing, none of the ingredients could be aphrodisiacs, and you’ll still find pleasure in devouring this dish!
These Peanut Sauce Noodles Are a About to Become a Family Favorite
Peanut noodles tossed with shrimp is one of the best meals for meal planning, because it's quick to prep and… Read more.
This Honey-Lime Salmon has a nice touch of sweetness to balance the tart flavors of lime. One bite equals instant satisfaction. Bonus: Salmon is a heart-healthy food that is good for your body. You gotta treat yo self, too!
Make Delicious Honey Lime Salmon in Just 25 Minutes!
Sweet and tart honey and lime infuse great flavors into this salmon dish that is quick and easy to make,… Read more.
Basil
Known for stimulating and boosting you and whatever plans you have in mind, this wonderful herb – which is at once slightly peppery, sweet, and minty – helps heat up the body and promote circulation.
If you have hidden motives, be subtle with your approach and sprinkle chopped basil on top of The Perfect Tomato Soup.
Make an Ordinary Tomato Soup Extraordinary with These Ingredients
This creamy tomato soup is just as delicious without the cream. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes provides all the flavor… Read more.
Nothing says “casual elegance” better than our Balsamic Caprese Chicken, which features whole, fresh basil at its best. Why go out to an expensive dinner when you can make it at home? It’s a lot more meaningful, too.
This Heahlthy Balsamic Caprese Chicken is Ready in 25 Minutes
This Balsamic Caprese Chicken dish makes a great weeknight dinner, but will also impress dinner guests if served at a… Read more.
Cucumbers
The scent of cucumbers supposedly drives the ladies wild. Is that why cucumber melon scented things are so wonderful? Well, you can put this to the test by choppin’ this crisp, refreshing vegetable, and letting nature run its course.
The Greeks know all about aphrodisiac foods, so eat like the Greeks with this Greek Salad with Herbs, which gets its satisfying crunch from cucumbers and red bell peppers.
Greek Salad with Herbs
Greek Salad is not revolutionary: red peppers, cucumbers, and feta are nothing new. But add some fresh herbs and you… Read more.
Get hands on and focus on the sense of touch with our Thai Steak Tacos with Mango and Cucumber Salsa. Enjoy with a cold beer and some lime. And possibly a marathon of your favorite crime drama. (Hey, you can choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day however you like!)
Pine Nuts
Oysters may be one of the most commonly-known aphrodisiacs, but pine nuts do just as much as oysters. These tiny nuts are high in zinc, which increases stimulation. They’re also mildly sweet and nutty, and add a satisfying crunch to many dishes.
Slightly bitter Brussels sprouts, tart balsamic vinegar, and sweet brown sugar define this Sweet and Tangy Brussels Sprouts Hash, which features a good, healthy dose of toasted pine nuts. For added protein, top with a fried or poached egg, which symbolizes new life and fertility…Or you might want to skip the egg, depending on your intentions.
Brussels Sprouts Hash: Side Dish + Healthy Breakfast
In just 10 minutes and with 6 ingredients, you can have a delicious side dish or quick breakfast recipe with… Read more.
Get a double whammy of pine nuts by using it in a homemade pesto and then sprinkling on top for a garnish, like in this Pasta with Basil Pesto and Peas.
Once You Try This Pasta with Pesto & Peas, You’ll Want It Every Night
Homemade pesto is easy, quick, and oh so tasty, and it coats our pasta and peas with lots of summery… Read more.
And there you have it! 5 foods and 10 recipes that will put in you the mood and get you ready for Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t matter if you are celebrating with an intimate dinner for two, or if you just plan on hanging out with your friends (Galentine’s Day, anyone?). These recipes will surely satisfy your appetite and make your day fun, romantic, and delicious.
