A Virtuous (but Tasty!) Valentine’s Feast

by Laura Donnelly — February 5, 2007

Some people's idea of a romantic meal is one filled with rich and decadent ingredients, perhaps steak with a buttery sauce, lots of champagne and wine, and a gooey chocolate dessert. While this may sound good in theory, all that rich food and alcohol will in fact tire you out, because your stomach is using all of its energy trying to digest. And that doesn’t leave much left for the romance portion of your evening.

Different cultures have some interesting beliefs as to what foods are aphrodisiacs. Some are based on appearance (resembling male or female body parts), some sound downright silly but may have a placebo affect (pistachios? sage?), and some are genuinely based in fact: oysters and pine nuts due to their zinc content (believed to enhance male potency), chocolate because of its phenylethylamine (a surefire moodlifter), and caffeine for its energy jolt. Whether we believe in the erotic potential of certain foods or not, what harm can it do to throw together a few reputed "foods of love" for a healthier Valentine's Day menu, leaving you and your partner with enough energy to see what transpires after?

Since the 1st Century A.D., arugula has been believed to have aphrodisiacal powers. Figs, ginger, honey, vanilla, avocadoes, and carrots have also gotten an R-rating. Some herbs such as anise, basil, and licorice are stimulating, whereas dill, watercress, and lentils are reputed to put a damper on amore.

Whatever ingredients you choose for a Valentine’s Day feast, remember that the brain is the biggest sex organ, so nourish it and your body and have fun! Over the next five days, we’ll bring you all the dishes to make sure Cupid’s arrow hits home.

Key West Salad

This salad is based on one I had years ago in Key West. It sounded like a peculiar combination at the time, but it is a delicious medley of flavors.

Serves 2

3 cups baby spinach leaves
2 oranges, peeled and sliced
2 Tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
2 Tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1-2 teaspoons sesame oil

Divide spinach leaves between two plates. Top with orange slices, feta cheese, and pine nuts. Sprinkle little droplets of sesame oil over all.

This salad needs no dressing; the oranges and sesame oil create the flavors. For added crunch, try some paper thin slices of fennel or substitute ricotta salata for the feta cheese.