It seems that we are only just past the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day is looming. No matter your feelings on this trademarked holiday, we all L-O-V-E to eat – and drink. And if you are at all like I am, this is one of the nights that is best enjoyed with some home made dishes. The Valentine’s ‘holiday’ (and I use the term loosely, because I feel that we shouldn’t only celebrate love one day a year, but every day of the year), is my ‘hall pass’ to splurge on the food front and enjoy an eclectic mix of dishes that I love. This is the night that the gloves come off, and the palate goes crazy.
Whether you’re in love, looking for love, avoiding love, or trying to get some love, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to make magic happen! And there’s no better way to do it than with suggestive food and beverages that make you throw your inhibitions to the wind.
Seriously! Studies show that alcohol levels can raise the testosterone levels in women, which coincidentally entices those who lack sexual interest and desire. Interest piqued? Then go ahead… light the candles, pop in a little Marvin Gaye and ensure where your night is headed with these de-lush-ious aphrodisiac food and wine pairings from my friend and founder of WinoBee, Stacy De Fino, peppered with some of my favorite V-day indulgent dishes: Lamb Chops, Shrimp & Garden Veggie Cannelloni, and Cocoa Fudge Cup Cakes topped with Classic Carmel Frosting.
And if you thought you could just kick back and read, I’ve mixed it up a bit, and turned this into a classic version of “I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours”. Read on for food/wine recommendations to summon Aphrodite and then….well, I challenge you to share your favorite Valentine’s Day Menu at www.foodily.com.
DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Wine is the perfect mood setter, and for the “romanticals” out there looking to get the night started with some sustenance, whip up a nice steak and pair alongside a higher tannic wine like Zaca Mesa Syrah ($20, BevMo.com). This red offers unique character and blends dark plum notes with deep espresso undertones. Its sure to land you more than one silky finish for the night!
BOWLLICKER FAVORITE FOOD DISH: Lamb Chops Von
WINE ME, DINE ME
Esporao Private Riserva White ($29.99, WineLibrary.com) offers honeysuckle attributes that pair well with any kind of shellfish, especially the richer ones like oysters, and we all know oysters are the most notorious aphrodisiac food. The zinc found in oysters controls progesterone levels which are said to have a positive effect on the libido. Bow-chicka-bow-wow!
BOWLLICKER FAVORITE FOOD DISH: Shrimp and Garden Vegetable Cannelloni, Marinated cracked crab or Oysters Bingo
KEEP IT SWEET
Wine and chocolate are a match all their own, but they may help you make your own love match. A compound in chocolate, called methylxanine, triggers the release of dopamine in the body often leaving you with a lovestruck feeling. Try a chocolate cake and serve alongside a sparkling rosé, like Martini & Rossi ($13, Shopper’s Wines) which combines an aromatic bouquet and palate of light florals and apricot.
BOWLLICKER FAVORITE FOOD DISH: Cocoa Fudge Cup Cakes topped with Classic Carmel Frosting
DON’T THINK, JUST DRINK
Port Wine is said to be an aphrodisiac all its own, so in the case you have no time (or motivation) to whip up something romantic, simply grab a bottle of white port and some fresh strawberries, as studies say pairing the two may promote lovemaking.
BOWLLICKER FAVORITE FOOD DISH: You are on your own….maybe a biscotti to dip in some port!
>this is the part where you show me your creativity<
SHARE YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY MENUS FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED ON THE FOODILY SITE!
1. Go to Foodily.com and login with Facebook Connect (or create a login).
2. Play around with recipes and find your favorites to create a perfectly delish Valentine’s Day meal!
3. Once you’ve selected a recipe save it to a menu:
* From the recipe, select the “save” button, save it as an appetizer, main, etc., and then it’ll ask you to name your menu. Create your special Valentine’s menu title.
* Continue adding recipes and saving to that menu
4. View your menu (either from tab at top or from your profile) and grab the URL (you can also share your menu on Facebook and grab the URL there). Note: the URL will look similar to this: http://foodily.com/m/1234
5.Tweet the following and be sure to include the #foodilyvdaymenu hashtag at the end:
Check out my @foodily Valentine’s Day menu! Create one of your own! http//(your menu URL here) #foodilyvdaymenu
6. Foodily will be watching and selecting menu winners daily to be featured on the Foodily site!
Note: You can also enter by sharing your menu on Foodily’s Facebook wall.
As a compensated Foodily Brand Ambassador, I also look forward to picking my favorite Foodily Valentine’s Day menu at www.foodily.com. See you there!
Hmmm I may have to pass this along to Nic if he did indeed decide to go the at-home route. Thanks! Now the question is…what are you making for your pre-Valentine’s Day birthday?
Those cupcakes with the caramel frosting look so heavenly! I want one!