DadChef and I just celebrated our 17th Anniversary (*28 years of couplehood*). Amidst a very fast and full family life, being the “forgot my hockey equipment” fetchers, viral laundry load washers, last minute grocery-getters, “can’t find my library book” finders, and Mom/Dad Uber-drivers, time and energy for romance is beyond minimal. Love isn’t those insta-glamourous, fancy, candle-lit moments, though, is it. It’s a million different invisible yet important actions that speak “I’ve got you, you’ve got me” – a partner-hood that makes the messy and mundane manageable. BUT…carving out quality time to connect outside of the boatload of responsibilities this season of life demands is important, and revives our tanks to fuel our large family life. And we usually find it in la Cucina – the heart of our (*often chaotic*) home. Making food together is our love language – usually in cozies, a splash of cab sav and some way back tunes cranked. Simple is special, and creating something tasty together a beautiful thing. So if time for romance isn’t (like ever!) on our sides, we can turn it up with our taste buds. Here are Recipes to Enhance the Romance Made with Aphrodisiac Foods:
**Romance Disclaimer: This post is for playful fun – whether or not certain foods will spark romance is up for your couple chemistry to uncover and discover. If we’ve inspired you to connect in your Cucinas by making a delicious meal together, that’s amore!**
What Are Aphrodisiac Foods?
Whether foods can up the romance and libido factor is for your experience to verify, but there is some basis in food science that claims certain foods can positively impact our body chemistry and may improve things like circulation, feel-good hormones, and the release of anti-oxidants that may improve our mood for all the mush ;).
In theory, foods considered aphrodisiacs are those that aim to stimulate the love senses (sight, smell, taste, and touch). Aphrodisiacis derived from the Greek word ἀφροδισιακόν (aphrodisiakon), which means “pertaining to Aphrodite,” theGreek goddess of love.
Here is a (non-inclusive) list of foods said to serve as aphrodisiac ingredients to add to your love-fest at home recipes:
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Beets
- Chili Peppers
- Chocolate
- Figs
- Garlic
- Nuts
- Pomegranate
- Salmon
- Strawberries
[Sources: PBS.org, 40 Aphrodisiacs from Around the World]
Keep it Spicy Pasta
Aphrodisiac Foods: Chili Peppers, Garlic and Spinach
Our Keep it Spicy Pasta recipe is an alternative to the Italian Pasta alla Diavola which would include adding passata di pomodoro to create a spicy tomato sauce.
If you can stand the heat, get cooking something spicy in the kitchen! More of a food-torial then a recipe, this pasta dish can be made two ways: 1) Vegetarian; or 2) Pescatarian with shrimp. How to Make ‘Keep it Spicy Pasta’: 1) In a large sauté pan, heat about 3 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat then add chopped garlic (as much as you like!) – sauté until garlic softens then add chili pepper flakes or pepperoncini piccanti (hot red peppers) and stir about 1 minute; 2) *Optional for pescatarian version* Add a bag of thawed shrimp (*any will do*) and cook until they turn pink; 3) Add a few handfuls of baby spinach – sauté with oil, garlic and chili peppers until dark green and wilted. Cover and set aside. 4) Boil a pot of water ‘salted like the sea’ and cook your favourite long pasta – we love spaghetti or linguine. Drain pasta while preserving a bit of pasta water. Add pasta and a bit of pasta water to your sauté pan and toss with oil, chili pepper, garlic and spinach combination. Serve immediately. Buon appetito!
Love-Themed Charcuterie Board
Aphrodisiac Foods: Chocolate, Nuts and Berries
Our Heart’s Day Charcuterie Board made with heart-shaped cheese, cured meats, chocolate, assorted nuts, berries and antipasto is perfect for your love-fest at home!
Caprese Salad D’amore
Aphrodisiac Food: Basil
Our Caprese Salad D’amore appetizer topped with the aphrodisiac food of fresh, fragrant basil (my fave!) is a divine heart-shaped dish to dive into with your love to up the romance factor!
Strawberry Bruschetta
Aphrodisiac Food: Strawberries
You can make our Strawberry Bruschetta recipe 2-ways: 1) with Ricotta; or 2) with goat cheese – both delish! More strawberry recipes you’ll love to prep together HERE.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Aphrodisiac Food: Asparagus
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus drizzled with a good balsamic glaze goes straight to my heart! More delicious recipes to make together with aphrodisiac food asparagus HERE.
Burrata-Fig Arugula Salad
Aphrodisiac Food: Figs + Arugula
This Burrata Fig Arugula salad is as easy as toss, slice, tear, enjoy! And it’s the bomb dot com! More tasty recipes made with aphrodisiac ingredient figs to turn up the togetherness HERE.
Salmon Pesto Pasta
Aphrodisiac Food: Salmon
A tasty combo of lemon garlic salmon and our homemade nut-free pesto, this penne pasta dish is a great add to your date night recipe roster!
Roasted Beet Pasta Alfredo, Crostini and Salad
Aphrodisiac Food: Beets
One Roasted beet sheet pan recipe yields three beautiful aphrodisiac meal ideas – Roasted Beet Pasta Alfredo, Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, and a Roasted Beet Crostini Appetizer!
Burrata Pomegranate Aperitivo
Aphrodisiac Food: Pomegranate
Dive into the belle of the Italian cheese balls with your amore – add pomegranate arils for the aphrodisiac ingredient together with your favourite antipasti to this share plate and toast to the good love you’ve got over aperitivo!
Aphrodisiac Food: Strawberries
Strawberries and cream plus the playful effects of ice cream in between, this Strawberries & Cream Ice Cream Sandwich Cake is not only simple and fun to make together, but also to melt into each other over!
More Aphrodisiac Recipes to Make Together
For more recipe ideas to amplify the romance, check out these 7 Aphrodisiac Recipes for Valentine’s Daymade by fellow Canadian food enthusiasts and recipe creators! I have my eyes on the Valentino Salad.
Source: Food Bloggers of Canada
We hope we’ve inspired you to get creating in your Cucinas with your loves. If you try one of these Recipes to Enhance the Romance and enjoy it, please do share the love with us by tagging @House_of_Kerrs or commenting below – it’s our favourite part of this food share love affair! And whatever you get up to, we hope this month is filled with every thing you LOVE!
Love + light,
