A Love For Food...Food For Love

     Snuggling up with my honey all day,  the Valentine holiday closing in on us, my love for him kindles a fire in my belly. Thinking of creative ways to show my affection, (knowing the way to his heart), I envision this week a food menu that is fit for love. 

     My focus is to tantalize the senses with colorful, fresh, organic vegetables, bright, aromatic herbs and arousing presentations, with every meal always ending in the perfect combination of sweet and spice. Being not at liberty to divulge my exact menu (as I want to surprise my love with these dishes), I instead divulge my ingredients, each chosen for their heart-benefiting and love-life-benefiting qualities.

  

     For love of nature and of all things green, leafy greens, asparagus, avocado and fresh basil are always main ingredients in my kitchen. My favorite being avocado, this succulent fruit contains mega amounts of B vitamins, Potassium and Omega 3s for energy and oleic acid, which fights bad cholesterol. Its one-two punch of B6 and folic acid can boost histamine levels, (which help in getting to the 'O' moment, if ya know what I mean.) The fat in these can scare some people off, but it's the good fat and helps make testosterone in men, so the 'love' benefits far outweigh.

     Also containing delicious amounts of folic acid is asparagus and leafy greens like kale and spinach. Most lovers would turn away from these pungent and bitter veggies, but blended with sweeter flavors like garlic and red peppers, can be divine. Adding Vitamins A, C, B6, thiamin and fiber, it will certainly energize and increase stamina!

     Mushrooms are a no-brainer, as they have been touted for centuries in Chinese medicine to have an aphrodisiac quality. Marinated, they can be as juicy as a steak, or be added to any dish to make it heartier for the meat-eating man to enjoy equally.

     For love of red and of lycopene, tomatoes offer a beautiful presentation for the holiday. They have been studied to increase fertility in women with their anti-inflammatory qualities. Their presentation amongst fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic can awaken the senses and make one tingly as the combination increases circulation!

     For dessert, one cannot keep a vital antioxidant from the mix like pure, dark chocolate. It is the food of the gods and myths of Ancient Rome and Greece. It is the most passionate ingredient in my kitchen. I slip this into dishes like spicy mole` sauces and tomato based soups for an added depth and richness. This food of gods has an amazingly high level of antioxidants, but also has theobromine, which is stimulating to circulation. It also stimulates the brain as this combination increases serotonin, creating the feeling of bliss. Mixing with almonds, mint, or into a luscious fondue to dip strawberries, well, I can't think of anything sexier!