Create a Valentine's Aphrodisiac Tasting

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's with a special loved one or lots of friends, titillate your senses with aphrodisiacs and a variety of rich, red wines.  Indulge in our tips to create your own valentine's tasting..

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Aphrodisiacs

These are just a few of the foods reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities. While most research has not backed this up...who are we to argue with centuries of lovers? We suggest creating small plates of some of these items, so you can enjoy the tastes and textures  of each aphrodisiacs.

• Chocolate. Of course! Try chocolates from different chocolate producing regions or producers. Or get baking with Julie’s fabulous chocolate cake recipe. 
  
  
• Oysters. These slithery, delicious delights were Casanova’s favorite. 
  
  
• Arugula. Who knew a humble salad could have such powerful properties?
  
  
• Figs. If you can get fresh ones, they are delicious spit open and roasted, or simply eaten as is. Dried figs are wonderful as a dessert (and taste great with port), or can by chopped up and put in  your arugula salad
  
  
• Pomegranates. Open a pomegranate and revel in this symbol of fertility. These are best eaten in a bath with a loved one. Or sprinkled on a salad. Wendy Shay, chef and owner of Herbs and Spices taught us a great way to get the seeds out. Get a large bowl of cold water. Split open the pomegranate and put the pieces in the bowl. With the fruit and your hands under water, ease out the seeds. You won’t get splashed with the juice, which can stain, and the white parts of the skin will float to the top, making it easier to separate.
  
  
• Truffles . Begin your morning with scrambled eggs with shaved truffles. Or make a pasta with truffle oil or shaved truffles.
  

If you want to become even more of an aphrodisiac expert, check out Amy Reilly’s website She is a Master of Gastronomy and an expert on aphrodisiac foods. 

 
Rich Reds 

Select three to six different rich, red wines. Here are a few types you might want try side by side. If you havea great local wine stores, ask their staff if they have any suggestions too.  Also, as some of the Aphrodisiacs do not pair so well with reds, get some dry, flinty whites as well or a sparkling such as Prosecco, Cava or Champagne.

• Barbaresco (made from the Nebbiolo grape) from northern Italy
  
  
• Chianti (starring the Sangiovese grape) 
  
  
• Sangiovese from California
                                                                                                                                                          
• Malbec from Argentina
  
  
• Shiraz (the Aussie name for Syrah) from Australia
  
  
• Northern Rhone red (Syrah stars in these wines)
  
  
• Cabernet Sauvignon from California 
  
  
• Bordeaux from France (starring Cabernet Sauvignon).
  
  
• Porto