Valentine’s Day is a hugely important date in the profit-sector catering calendar so make sure your menu is packed with plenty of romantic “mood food”.
Diners will be looking to indulge themselves in the spirit of the occasion and these aphrodisiacal ingredients are sure to get their hearts fluttering.
Here’s our guide to food to get you in the mood…
Honey I love you!
Honey is a proven aphrodisiac and adding it to your diet will boost your libido. That’s because it promotes testosterone production in men and the mineral boron present in honey aids the use of oestrogen in women. Honey is made through pollination and is a symbol of procreation. In fact, the word ‘honeymoon’ got its name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey given to the happy new bride and groom. Include it in dressings, marinades and in desserts to get those pulses racing!
Pine-ing for you
Pine nuts are high in energising zinc, which has been linked to a healthy sex drive, and are also considered aphrodisiacs because of the effort required to procure these oily gems from pine cones! Make a pesto with pine nuts, basil, olive oil and Parmesan and add to pasta or salad dishes.
Pump it up!
Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium – 156 mg in just an ounce – which helps to raise testosterone levels and improve, erherm, performance! Try this recipe for Tapioca with rhubarb and pumpkin seeds if you don’t believe us… www.countryrange.co.uk/recipes/tapioca-with-rhubarb-compote-and-toffee-pumpkin-seeds/
Just desserts
No Valentine’s menu would be complete with a sharing dessert featuring chocolate. Chocolate is sensual, from its taste to its aroma, and dark chocolate has also been shown to cause a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure. Delight your pleasure-seekers with this deliciously decadent Chocolate Fondant Pudding www.countryrange.co.uk/recipes/warm-chocolate-fondant-pudding/