The most commonly known symbol for Valentine Day, Cupid is often iconized by greeting card companies as a catalyst for emotional love, shooting innocent bystanders with arrows soaked in some sort of sentimental potion. The ancient Romans regarded him as more of a sexual liaison, acknowledging him as the god of erotic desire. Anyone who has encountered Cupid’s mystical matchmaking powers and has dinner plans this Valentine’s Day might want to consider the naturally arousing properties of a few romantic, aphrodisiac recipes.

            

In ancient times, food was far less accessible on a global scale and malnutrition often resulted in a lack or loss of libido – foods that resembled reproductive organs were believed to naturally possess sexually stimulating effects: eggs, bananas, avocados and oysters are some phallus-like edibles still widely revered for their ability to kindle physical desire.

Banana Bread (Eggs + Bananas = Double Dose of Delight)

Baking time: 40 minutes

Servings: Makes 1 loaf, or 2 individual loaves

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 cups flour

2 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 crushed bananas

1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 tablespoon. hot water

Heat the oven to 350 degree F. Cream the shortening and sugar together. Add eggs, then flour, salt and bananas, soda and water. Bake in oven for 30 to 40 min.

Candy is an undeniably popular Valentine’s Day gift, stereotypically in the form of a box of gourmet chocolates. Fancy chocolates are often quite pricey; cocoa is high in antioxidants and the mood-improving chemicals dopamine and phenylethylamine, both of which naturally occur in the happy human brain, and the stronger the chocolate, the more powerful its euphoric effects. Vanilla is known to mildly stimulate nerves all over the body, and a simple and less costly combination of the two flavors is sure to ignite some sweet sensation – especially if both parties create it together.

(Recipe from Sherry at http://food-recipes-free-online.com/banana_bread.htm)

Chocolate Covered Strawberries with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Serving size: A healthy serving for two

1 box of strawberries

4 bars of Hershey’s milk or dark chocolate

2 cups heavy whipping cream

14 ounces condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

With an electric mixer, beat the whipping cream until thickened into lofty peaks. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until thoroughly combined. Pour into a plastic container and freeze for a minimum of 4 hours. (The longer, the better). Chop chocolate into uniform pieces and place in a microwaveable container. Melt chocolate on a low heat setting (if microwave does not have a low heat setting, heat for shorter intervals and stir between each one). Estimate 1 min.for 1 ounce., 3 min. for 8 ounces, etc. Drizzle over strawberries and toss into ice cream.

For those who are 21 and beyond, a classic bottle of red wine is also ideal for a flirtatious evening, as its antioxidant properties help boost blood flow and improve circulation. If cooking is less desirable than an elegant night out on the town, keep in mind that shellfish, avocado-infused and various other spicy dishes are expected to increase intimate feelings as well.