<p>Are you cooking for someone this Valentine's Day? If so, then you might be tempted to serve up something known for its perceived aphrodisiac properties - but do you actually know what those ingredients are? We've compiled a whole list of love-friendly foods and ways to cook them to inspire your menu on February 14th. </p><script async defer src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><h2>1. Beautiful basil</h2><p>This fresh herb could liven up more than just your meal. It not only adds fresh flavour to pizzas, pastas and salads, but surprisingly, the scent of basil (supposedly) drives us wild with desire. </p><p>If you fancy enjoying an Italian feast this Valentine's Day, you could sprinkle some chopped fresh basil over a classic caprese salad (this is just mozzarella, tomato and olive oil), or make some <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/classic-tomato-bruschetta" target="_blank">homemade bruschetta</a> &ndash; athough you might want to hold off on the garlic! See some of our other basil recipes <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/tag/basil" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p><img alt="classic-tomato-bruschetta__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/classic-tomato-bruschetta__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>2. Charming chocolate</h2><p>Dark chocolate has held the reputation as an aphrodisiac for centuries. You could buy your Valentine a lovely box of <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/boxed-chocolates-gifts/green-and-blacks-organic-classic-miniature-chocolate-bar-collection/910001484974" target="_blank">Green and Blacks chocolate bar collection</a>, or whip up a delicious chocolate-based dessert to enjoy together. </p><p>You could make your own <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/chocolate-shards" target="_blank">chocolate shards</a>, dip some strawberries into melted chocolate, grate pure dark chocolate into a <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/homemade-hot-chocolate" target="_blank">decadent hot chocolate</a>, or try one of our other <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/tag/chocolate" target="_blank">chocolatey recipes</a>. But our favourite chocolate dessert is these super easy dippy strawberries (pictured below). To make, simply melt <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cooking-chocolate/asda-chosen-by-you-white-chocolate/69885088" target="_blank">white chocolate</a> in a heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water. Add 1 drop <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/flavourings-colourings/asda-pink-natural-food-colouring/80624305" target="_blank">pink food colouring</a> and stir in with a cocktail stick. Dip unhulled<a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/berries-cherries/asda-growers-selection-strawberries/910000087740" target="_blank"> strawberries</a> into the chocolate, put on a sheet of baking paper and decorate with <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/edible-decorations/asda-rainbow-sprinkles/910002525241" target="_blank">sprinkles</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/edible-decorations/cake-decor-gold-glitter-spray/910002536777" target="_blank">gold glitter spray </a>or drizzles of melted milk or dark chocolate. Allow to set. Serve on a plate with an Asda Strawberry Chocolate Pot on the side.</p><p><img alt="chocolate-dipped-strawberries__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/chocolate-dipped-strawberries__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>3. Chilli and spice</h2><p>This invigorating spice has an exotic reputation and a bright red colour, which could be why it's considered an aphrodisiac and a symbol of love.</p><p>Whip up some <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/chilli-brownies" target="_blank">chilli brownies</a> to impress your Valentine or a <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/chilli-choc-dessert-sauce" target="_blank">chilli chocolate dessert sauce</a> for the ultimate aphrodisiac dessert, or try one of our other <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/tag/chilli" target="_blank">chilli recipes</a>. </p><p><img alt="chilli-brownies__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/chilli-brownies__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>4. Amazing avocado</h2><p>This soft and silky fruit has a reputation as an aphrodisiac extending back to ancient Aztec times. And nowadays it's one of the most popular fruits on the supermarket shelf. That's 700 years of avocado loving!</p><p>Serve up a <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/spicy-prawn-avocado-cocktail" target="_blank">spicy prawn and avocado cocktail</a> (or our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/prawn-avocado-with-a-twist" target="_blank">prawns & avocado with a twist</a>), steal the show with these <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/lobster-tails-with-avocado-salad" target="_blank">lobster tails and avocado salad</a>, make a <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/spicy-dip-with-soured-cream-avocado-chilli" target="_blank">spicy guacamole dip</a> as a tempting snack, or try one of our other <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/tag/avocado" target="_blank">avocado recipes</a>.</p><p><img alt="lobster-tails-with-avocado-salad__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/lobster-tails-with-avocado-salad__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>5. Awesome asparagus</h2><p>Asparagus is not only a perceived aphrodisiac ingredient, but makes for a great starter. You could wrap <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/serrano-ham-and-asparagus-recipe" target="_blank">asparagus spears in some serrano ham</a>, try a simple <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/pea-asparagus-risotto" target="_blank">asparagus and pea risotto</a>, or a creamy <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/asparagus-kale-and-coconut-soup" target="_blank">asparagus, kale and coconut soup</a>. For more inspiration, see our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/tag/asparagus" target="_blank">asparagus recipes</a>.</p><p><img alt="kalesoup__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/kalesoup__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>6. Perfect pomegranate</h2><p>Known as the love apple, pomegranates add a splash of the colour of love onto a salad, couscous dish, or even over the top of a cake or pavlova. Scatter some pomegranate seeds into a zingy <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/tabbouleh" target="_blank">tabbouleh salad</a>, or sprinkle some over a <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/moroccan-style-steak-salad" target="_blank">Moroccan steak salad</a>.</p><p><img alt="moroccan-style-steak-salad__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/moroccan-style-steak-salad__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>7. Wonderful watermelon</h2><p>We should have known that melon is considered an aphrodisiac. <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/melon/asda-growers-selection-watermelon/458915" target="_blank">Watermelon</a> doesn't just have to be for eating on a beach holiday; you could use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut some pretty hearts out of slices of watermelon for a refreshing and picture perfect breakfast in bed, or serve a fresh watermelon salad as a starter &ndash; just toss together sliced and pitted black olives, feta cheese, fresh mint leaves and cubed watermelon.</p><h2>8. Ravishing red wine</h2><p>Red wine will go down well with your Valentine. You could gift your partner a delicious bottle of this<a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/spain-and-portugal/el-circulo-el-circulo-pagos-del-rey-crianza-rioja/910001352697" target="_blank"> El Circulo El Circulo Pagos del Rey Crianza Rioja</a> and pair with a perfect <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/classic-paella" target="_blank">Spanish paella</a>.</p><p><img alt="redwine__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/redwine__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>For more Valentine's Day gift inspiration head <a href="http://www.asda.com/valentines-gifts/?cmpid=ahc-_-ahc-_-asdacom-_-hp-_-content-1-_-valentines" target="_blank">online</a>, or pop into your <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">local store</a></em></p><script async defer src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>

The best ways to cook with "aphrodisiac" foods

By Asda Good Living,14th February 2017

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