Sensual foods for Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day less than a week away, so why not start thinking about creating a special meal for loved ones?

Over the centuries, certain foods have garnered a reputation as aphrodisiacs, substances that allegedly increase sexual desire. The term derives from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

Modern scientists say there’s no proof to the legends. But that hasn’t stopped people from downing raw oysters, the most well-known aphrodisiac, during a romantic evening.

Other so-called sexual enhancers include avocado, basil, figs, garlic, almonds, honey, chocolate and strawberries. Here’s an easy menu for two incorporating those ingredients.

Ancient Greeks held figs as sacred and associated them with love and fertility. Honey was considered a nectar of the gods and given to newlyweds.

6-8 Mission figs, halved

goat cheese or feta

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place figs cut side up in roasting pan. Top each with 1/2 teaspoon cheese. Drizzle vinegar and honey over figs. Season with salt and pepper. Roast 10 to 15 minutes.

Avocado is known for its sensuous texture and the Mayans and Aztecs believed it enhanced sexual desirability. Almonds are a fertililty symbol. Their aroma is supposed to arouse passion in women.

1 avocado, diced

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/4 pound red leaf lettuce,

shredded

1/2 pound European salad mix

2 tablespoons chopped almond

1/2 cup Italian dressing

Combine avocado and lemon juice in bowl. Add greens and almonds and toss. Pour dressing over salad and toss.

Basil is supposed to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. Its scent allegedly drives men wild. The ancients believed that garlic stirs sexual desire.

2 cups basil leaves, packed

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts

3 medium garlic cloves, minced

salt and pepper

Combine basil with pine nuts in food processor. Pulse a few times and then add garlic and pulse a few more times. Slowly add olive oil in a stream while processor is on, scraping sides. Add cheese and season to taste. Serve with pasta or on salmon or toasted baguette slices.

The Aztecs believed that chocolate induces feelings of excitement and euphoria. They called it the nourishment of the gods. Strawberries are the symbol of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. They allegedly whet one’s sexual appetite.

12 ounces dark chocolate

8 ounces heavy cream

pinch of salt

1 tablespoon liqueur, optional

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat cream about two minutes. Add chocolate and let stand about three minutes. Add liqueur and whisk. Serve with strawberries.