The Gourmet Romantic's (Easy) Valentine's Dinner

Impress Your Significant Other with this Aphrodisiac-Laced Menu

Feb 7, 2009 Brett McKenzie

You don't have to be a gourmet chef to cook like one. This Valentine's Day, use these simple yet decadent aphrodisiac ingredients to make a romantic meal for two.

Aphrodisiacs, or foods believed to enhance desire, are named for the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. For thousands of years, cultures have looked to certain foods for a romantic boost. This Valentine's Day menu is packed with delicious, easy to prepare aphrodisiacs that will make your date swoon.

First Course:

Fig & Arugula Salad

Both arugula (a leafy vegetable resembling lettuce) and fig have long been identified as aphrodisiacs. From the Kitchenography blog comes the perfect first course for a Valentine's meal: Fig, Prosciutto and Arugula Salad (for vegetarians, leave out the prosciutto, which is a very thinly-sliced ham).

For each serving:

  • A large handful of arugula
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar (or balsamic)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 figs
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons of gorgonzola
  • 2 slices of prosciutto torn in pieces

  1. Combine olive oil, vinegar, and salt in a small jar. Shake until combined. Lightly dress the arugula with this. You will not need all of the dressing.
  2. Split the figs and put them face up in a broiler-proof pan. (I use a gratin dish for this.) Put them under the broiler for two or three minutes. Remove them from the oven, add the prosciutto pieces and put them back under the broiler for another minute. Remove from the oven. Top each fig with a small piece of the gorgonzola which should melt slightly from the heat of the figs. If it doesn't melt, put the figs back under the broiler for about 15 seconds.
  3. Arrange the figs and prosciutto on the arugula and serve.
Second Course:

Filet Mignon in Red-Wine Soaked Red Onions (vegetarian option available) and Avocado

While steak is not technically considered an aphrodisiac, sinking one's teeth into a perfectly tender filet is as good as it gets for meat lovers (and for vegetarians, substitute a grilled portabello mushroom). Meanwhile, the onion, red wine and avocado in this recipe are well-known aphrodisiacs.

You will need:

  • Two pieces of quality filet mignon
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • A cheap bottle of red wine
  • Butter
  • One red onion
  • One avocado

The best way to prepare this cut of beef is in your broiler.

  1. Pre-heat your oven's broiler setting to high, and while it is pre-heating, put your (defrosted) filets in a ziploc bag with a few teaspoons of olive oil, a sprinkle of ground black pepper, a sprinkle of course sea salt. Give the bag a few shakes to evenly distribute your seasoning.
  2. While waiting for the broiler to heat up, grab a skillet and cut three tablespoons of butter into the skillet. Heat up on medium, and when the butter has melted, poor three cups of red wine into the skillet. Chop up your onion finely, and throw the onion into the sauce.
  3. If the broiler has reached its intended heat setting, put the steaks into the oven and set a timer for five minutes. After five minutes, you will need to turn the steaks over.
  4. While your onions and steak are cooking, cut your avocado in half and slice. Scoop out the fruit and place neatly on the plate upon which the steak will be served. Sprinkle a dash of coarse salt on the avocado.
  5. When the steaks have finished cooking, remove from the broiler and set them directly into the skillet of red wine and onions for one minute on each side. Then set on the plate and carefully scoop the red wine onions on top of each steak. Serve.

Dessert:

Chocolate Marzipan and Raspberries/Strawberries and Cream

Marzipan, a delicious, nutty treat, and chocolate are both aphrodisiacs, and an easy way to serve them up after your meal are to break apart a Ritter Sport Marzipan bar, and arrange on your dessert plates. Next, add some high-quality whipped cream on the opposite side of the plate, and pile on a handful of raspberries and strawberries (both aphrodisiacs). Serve, but without any silverware; these are much more fun to eat with your fingers!

Throughout the meal, have a fine wine on hand (a spicy Zinfandel would go nicely with every part of the meal, or serve a chilled champagne with the salad and move onto a robust red when the steak is served). The best part: a meal which would run upwards of $100 in a restaurant shouldn't cost you more than $50 to prepare and enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

The copyright of the article The Gourmet Romantic's (Easy) Valentine's Dinner in Recipes is owned by Brett McKenzie. Permission to republish The Gourmet Romantic's (Easy) Valentine's Dinner in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
This aphrodisiac-packed meal will delight on V-Day, Brett Ashley McKenzie This aphrodisiac-packed meal will delight on V-Day
   
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