How to Cook Up Passion This Valentine's Day

genConnect.com

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 balsamic vinegar.

  • Top with dots of goat cheese.


The peppery arugula is the perfect compliment for the silky goat cheese and the succulent figs. The seductive flavor of the figs in tandem with the roasted peppers will get the juices flowing, in anticipation of what's to follow….

Entrée: Ginger and Chive Crusted Halibut with Mashed Rutabaga and Rainbow Chard.

  • Grate fresh ginger, chop chives, and liberally coat the Halibut fillet.

  • Salt and pepper the fish and place in a hot non-stick skillet with olive oil and cook for 8 minutes.

  • Peel and cut rutabaga into ½" slices and cook in boiling salted water

  • Drain and mash with butter and heavy cream

  • Sauté rainbow chard with olive oil and garlic.


Fish is a great choice to keep you light on your feet-or off them. The fresh ginger increases blood flow and warms the body to prepare you for what the night will bring….

Dessert:Vanilla Bean Custard with Dark Chocolate Ganache and Raspberries


  • Whisk egg yolks, sugar, vanilla bean and heavy cream together.

  • Bake the custard in ramekins in a water bath at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the center is just set.

  • Let cool.

  • Heat heavy cream just to simmer and add the dark chocolate, stir until smooth and set aside.

  • When the custard has cooled, top with the dark chocolate ganache and let set.

  • Top with raspberries.


The dark chocolate is filled with anti-oxidants to increase energy to ready you for the activity soon to ensue. The sweet vanilla custard and the raspberries will provide you with the sustained energy you'll need to go the distance.

About the Author:

For the past 15+ years Jackie M. Lee has been a professional chef holding numerous positions as Executive Chef in Houston's renowned eateries, as well as being an owner/Executive Chef of a catering and consulting company. Jackie Lee is a "winner" of Food Network's premier show "Chopped."She has also appeared on the CBS Early Show and "Forbes Luxe" on the Travel Channel.


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For more Valentine's Day Tips from genConnect Experts:
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