The weekend is here, the children are tucked up and... it's date night!
But you can't go out so what do you do? Why not spend a little time in the kitchen preparing some delicious foods that will certainly put you in the mood for later?! These ten foods have been proven to be the foods of love, for several reasons. I don't know about you, oysters are not my thing, however, figs and chocolate? Now you're talking!!!
Let's find out how these foods have created a name for themselves amongst lovers world round...
1. Honey
Sweet and sticky, honey contains the mineral boron, which helps the body utilise estrogen and improves testosterone levels in the blood. For dessert, try baklava drizzled with honey and served with greek yoghurt, or baked peaches with honey and vanilla bean ice cream.
2. Oysters
The classic aphrodisiac, oysters – and other shellfish – are packed with zinc, a mineral that increases libido. Why not start your meal with half a dozen oysters and champagne.
3. Garlic
Yes, it may be a bit stinky, but if both you and your partner eat it you won’t notice the smell. Garlic increases blood flow to the important areas, and is great incorporated into many dishes. Try classic garlic mushrooms, olive and garlic focaccia or whole roasted garlic spread on ciabatta toast.
4. Figs
Figs have long been associated with love and fertility. They make a standard fruit platter look decadent and delicious.
5. Chocolate
Us girls know all to well the feel-good properties of chocolate, but it also helps release the ‘love chemical’ that induces feelings of attraction and happiness. A chocolate fondue might be retro but it is delicious, decadent and a really fun way to enjoy dessert with your partner. Or why not whip up a rich chocolate tart for the perfect end to date night (or start as it might be!).
6. Basil
With great health benefits for the body, the scent of basil is said to have an aphrodisiac effect. Make like the Italians and use basil in a homemade fresh pasta dish, such as basil pesto spaghetti or chilli and basil fettucine.
7. Bananas
Loaded with B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and the bromeliad enzyme, bananas apparently increase the male libido. Bake classic banana cake or take some time to create these divine chocolate banana donuts.
8. Avocado
Boosting the immune system with B vitamins and potassium, avocados have long been associated with sexuality. Baked avocados make a wonderful starter.
9. Almonds
Thanks to their high vitamin E content, almonds help support female hormones, and have been seen as a fertility symbol for hundreds of years. Their are numerous recipes you can find for gluten-free chocolate tortes made with almond flour.
10. Asparagus
Asparagus is packed full of vitamins and minerals, in particular folic acid, which can help improve libido in both men and women. A super sexy starter is steamed asparagus spears dipped in almond and garlic butter sauce. Eat with your fingers and maybe even feed your partner.
So, show your loved one how much you care tonight by feeding them foods of love!
Adapted from article written by Australian Marni Dixit, 2015.