Cookin' for Love - Food Aphrodisiacs

Cooking a romantic dinner for two?  Add a little extra spice to your meal (and your evening) with foods considered to be natural aphrodisiacs.  Chocolate, champagne, figs, caviar, bananas, honey, strawberries, oysters and ginseng are just a few in a long list of foods believed to help turn up the heat. Go ahead, get cookin'! :>)

Need Valentine-inspired recipes or drink ideas? Visit FoodNetwork.com or Epicurious.com.

Valentine's Day Decorating Ideas

So, you're planning an intimate Valentine's Day dinner.  The shopping is done, the meal has been prepared and you're wondering how to spruce up the room to set the perfect tone and mood for the evening.  Here are some links to great decorating ideas (some even have pictures for those of you who are creatively challenged).  Great Valentine's decorations don't have to be expensive and they don't necessarily have to be red or pink.  Use your imagination, get creative and have fun.

Valentine's Day Ideas from Innove Events + Marie Labbancz

Pink Valentine's Day Tablescapes

Valentine's Day Decorations & Crafts - Martha Stewart

Valentine's Day Decorating - LoveToKnow Interior Design

Happy Valentine's Day

"Love cures people – both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.” -- Dr. Karl Menninger

Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day.  If you don't have a love interest this year, you can still make it a special day by celebrating with family and friends.  Create a casual buffet and invite family and friends over for a game or movie night.  Treat yourself to a mani/pedi or take a friend to dinner and a movie (I hear the new movie, Valentine's Day, is great!).  Whether you decide to spend the day with friends or spend the day alone, don't forget the spirit in which this holiday was intended--to lavish affection on those we love--including ourselves.

Valentine Martini

This stylish drink will make Love blossom on Valentine's day!

Valentine Martini

2 ounces raspberry vodka
1 ounce Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
6 raspberries
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
dash of sugar syrup
ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and add ice cubes. Shake then double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Decorate with fresh raspberries on a cocktail stick and a lime or orange twist. Cheers!

Note: This recipe makes 1 drink. Increase ingredients as needed to make a larger batch.