1. Red Wine
It’s no secret: Red wine can help your lady relax, smile, and enjoy the night. Pour her a glass of Pinot Noir, Cabernet or Zinfandel and pair with a simple board of Brie cheese, almonds, and French bread. Red wine contains resveratrol and antioxidants, and has been linked to heart health and healthy aging. Just remember that two glasses will do the trick, so don’t overdo it.
2. Lobster
Valentine’s Day really is the one night to splurge on a romantic dinner, so don’t skip this total turn-on food. Lobster is full of lean protein, vitamin B12, and zinc, which is needed for male reproductive health. Lobster also contains less fat and cholesterol and fewer calories than pork, beef or shrimp.
3. Pasta with Fresh Herbs
The Italians just have it right. One of my favorite pasta dishes? A simple linguine or capellini in a delicious a white wine, herb, and butter sauce—with a touch of circulatory-boosting nutmeg. (May help to improve blood flow.) This recipe (pictured above) may sound fancy, but once you see how simple it is to sauté, boil, and strain, you’ll come back to it recipe again and again.
LOBSTER & CAPELLINI WITH WHITE WINE, HERB & BUTTER SAUCE
Ingredients:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 thyme sprigs
1 cup dry white wine (I love Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
1⁄2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley + additional to garnish (optional)
1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
2 lobster tails (spiny or Maine lobster is delicious)
1⁄2 pound capellini pasta (gluten-free or whole-wheat is always a healthy option)
Finish off with a touch of nutmeg- helps circulation, which can help to stimulate blood flow
1⁄2 cup wild arugula
Dash of nutmeg
Chili flakes (optional)
Tabasco sauce (optional)
Directions:
1) In a large stockpot, heat butter over low heat. Add the garlic and thyme sprigs and sauté just until fragrant.
2) Turn down the heat to medium-low and remove the lid. Pour the wine into the pot and reduce to create a thick sauce.
3) Cook the liquid until the wine reduces by one-third. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley. Add the sea salt.
4) Meanwhile, cook the lobster tails in a medium stockpot filled with salted boiling water (add approximately 1 tablespoon of salt). After about 6 minutes or so, the lobster tails will turn pink and curl. Carefully remove from the boiling water and set aside to cool before handling.
5) Begin to cook the pasta as directed on the box in a large stockpot or pasta pot of boiling salted water. When the pasta is al dente, strain and rinse it with cold water.
6) Using clean scissors, cut the cooled lobster tails down their front-middle. Gently remove all the lobster from the tails and sear in the buttered wine sauce for about 5 minutes, on all sides. Remove the lobster tail from the pan. Slice into round medallions.
7) Toss the pasta gently in the sauce. Using tongs, divide the pasta between two individual dinner plates. Arrange the lobster medallions around each plate. Top with arugula to finish. Serve with a little additional fresh parsley, a dash of nutmeg, chili flakes, or even Tabasco, if desired.
4. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate produces aphrodisiac and mood-enhancing effects. Dark chocolate (72% cacao and above) in particular contains a compound that releases the same endorphins triggered by sex, and increases feelings of attraction between two people, according to research publishing in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Yum. Try this:
DARK CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES
Ingredients:
1 lb large ripe strawberries
3-3.5 oz bar 72% dark chocolate
1- 3.5 oz bar white chocolate (optional)
½ cup chopped raw pistachios or almonds (optional)
Directions:
1) Create a double boiler: Fill a small saucepan ½ or ¾ of the way with water and place a metal or glass mixing bowl on top. Heat over medium-high heat.
2) Add dark chocolate pieces to the mixing bowl and slowly melt over medium-low heat. Be sure not to get any water into this pan, must stay completely dry.
3) Using a spatula, gently stir chocolate until fully melted.
4) Holding the top of each strawberry, dip the strawberries ¾ of the way into the chocolate. Place onto wax or parchment paper.
*If using nuts, roll the chocolate dipped strawberries into a plate of crushed nuts. Place onto wax or parchment paper.
* If using white chocolate, melt the white chocolate into a clean double boiler, following the same directions as above. When melted and slightly cooled to the touch, using a small spatula, add the white chocolate into a Ziploc bag (remove all air and seal the bag) or use a parchment cornet. Using clean scissors, clip a very small hole onto the corner of the bag. Twist the bag at the top and going back and forth horizontally across the strawberry to make stripes.
5) Allow the chocolate to cool to room temperature for approximately 2-3 hours, or place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
5. Cherries
Cherries are super sexy to eat, and they’re full of nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate. Because of their powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, cherries are said to reduce pain and soreness following a workout…or a moment in the sack. Try a combo of dark chocolate and port-soaked cherries. With the massive sexual-health benefits of cherries and chocolate, you can’t go wrong with this decadent, smashing hit.
