By Maddie Donnelly, Gourmet Live guest blogger

Every February 14th love-struck men and women spend more than 1 billion dollars on chocolate products. Blame Cupid for the love-struck part, but why chocolate? What does chocolate really have to do with the most romantic day of the year? Here's a brief history of chocolate and Valentine's Day.

Our infatuation with chocolate first began 2,000 years ago when it was discovered in Latin America. The Maya and Aztec elites infused cocoa beans with water to form frothy chocolate drinks - the first frappuccinos, if you will - for special occasions and as sacrifices to the gods. The Aztec ruler Montezuma believed that chocolate was an aphrodisiac and routinely drank it before entering his harem, thus increasing chocolate's popularity and its association with love and romance. As it turns out, he was ahead of his time. Modern-day scientists have linked the chemical phenylethylamine in chocolate to feelings of excitement, attraction and even pleasure.

Read More »from The History of Chocolate and Valentine's Day

10 Kitchen-Savvy Ways to Say "I Love You" on Valentine's Day

by Esther Sung

1. Heart Bay Leaf Wreath (McFadden Farm, $32)
Fresh bay leaves can be hard to find, but the seasonal wreath makes it easy.

2. Inside Out Hearts (Espresso Cup and Saucer Set (Gourmet of Olde City, $39)
If your love needs a caffeine boost, the six-piece set can help provide it in style.

3. Pink Heart Baker (Crate & Barrel, $4.95)
This petite baking dish is perfect for cooking and serving, especially Valentine's Day favorites such as soufflés , puddings , and mousse . Multi-functional never looked so sweet.

4. Sweetheart Straws (Krazy Straws, $2.49)
Bond over some sips: Share a drink like a milk shake using an intertwined heart straw.

5. Freiling Heart Springform (Bon'Cui, $22)
A traditional cake pan might cause a heart-shaped cake to break. Prevent some heartache in the kitchen with this springform pan.

6. Heart Bamboo Spoon (Urban Outffiters, $8)
Put

Read More »from Heart-Shaped Valentine's Day Gifts for Foodies

I've always considered food to be a highly effective tool in the art of seduction. The adage, "the way to alover's heart is through the stomach," certainly has merit.

When I want to stack the deck in my favor and get someone's attention, I always extend an invitation to dinner. Having the home court advantage gives you the edge to create and execute that perfect romantic dining experience to entice your love interest.

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, why not heat up the special day with foods that ignite and rev up the romance factor? It's been documented that such foods like: chocolate, oysters, figs and ginger possess aphrodisiac properties to promote desire, passion and sustain energy and love. Spice up the lover's holiday with these ingredients incorporated into a lover's feast.

Seduction Menu:

Starter: Arugula Salad with Fresh Figs, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Red Peppers.

• Toss 2 cups of arugula, 6 figs (cut into halves), and roasted pepper strips with olive oil and

Read More »from How to Cook Up Passion This Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day, a red-hot drink is a bartender's best-aimed arrow. Here, we share our top recipes for finding love at first sip.Read more at Cosmopolitan.com! 8 Things Men Notice About You Instantly 10 Things You Don't Know About Kissing 30 Sexy Things to Do Before Sex

For more sexy maternity lingerie, visit Babble.

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Read More »from Va Va Voom! Spice up Valentine's Day with Sexy Maternity Lingerie

For more heart-shaped foods, visit Babble.

MORE ON BABBLE:

Cupid in the Kitchen: 10 Valentine Treats for Kids

Turn up the Heat Outside of the Kitchen: Romantic Dinner Recipes

Lingerie Sugar Cookies Just for His Sweet Pleasure

Still hungry? Follow Babble's Family Kitchen on Facebook and Twitter.

Read More »from Be Still Our Hearts: 10 Heart-shaped Foods for Valentine's Day

When it comes to Valentine's Day, there ends up being a lot of pressure on men to make the day special and memorable for both themselves and their significant others. But, you don't have to stress yourself out if you're not the creative type. I've put together three simple yet delicious dishes that are easy for even the most amateur cook to put together, along with three tips for creating the right ambiance. Most importantly, make sure to have a couple bottles of your favorite bubbly or wine (I recommend a crisp, light white, like Sancerre or Pinot Grigio, with the dishes below) on hand, relax, and have fun.

4 Simple Tips:

1. Make her a delicious dinner at home: Forget going out. While your significant other is out of the house, make these easy yet delicious dishes below for a romantic dinner that neither of you will ever forget.
2. Flowers: They don't have to be roses! Buy her favorite flowers, and, if you don't know, do a little reconnaissance with friends and family. Just make

Read More »from A Guy's Guide to Cooking Valentine's Day Dinner

Why buy conversations hearts when it's easy to make your own. Your kids can roll the dough and use cookie or fondant cutters to make the hearts. These also taste better.

Conversation Hearts:

1 tsp gelatin (1/2 packet)
1 tsp light corn syrup
1/4 cup of water
1 lb of powdered sugar, plus a little extra for dusting
Vanilla or almond extract
Food coloring
Food markers
Heart shaped fondant or cookie cutters

1. Mix the gelatin, corn syrup and water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until the gelatin has been melted.
2. Mix the above gelatin mixture and 1 cup of powdered sugar with a hand or stand mixer. Continue to add powdered sugar one cup at a time. It will turn into a gooey, thick dough.
3. Scrape dough off sides of bowl, and knead on a non stick surface until smooth.
4. Divide and color the dough. If you're using flavoring, add a few drops. I used vanilla flavored corn syrup so omitted flavor.
5. Knead the color and Read More »from User post: Valentine's Day Conversation Hearts