Valentine’s Day Round-Up: 5 Foods and 10 Recipes that will Satisfy & Please (Your Appetite)

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.

Our Guacamole gets a little naughty by kicking it up a notch with spicy sriracha sauce!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.