Use ingredients to create the mood this Valentine's Day

According to legends, various types of food was thought to help sexual anxieties, including inadequate performance as well as increased fertility, according to the www.gourmetsleuth.com.

According to this website, a distinction was made between foods that helped with fertility and those that increased sex drive.

Ironically, poor nutrition, which many people in the past suffered from due to lack of information, money and accessibility, creates a loss of libido as well as a reduction in fertility rates.

However, foods that represent seed or semen, such as bulbs, eggs and snails were considered to have sexual powers. Other types of foods were considered stimulating by their physical resemblance to genitalia.

The list, courtesy of www.gourmetsleuth.com, includes:

Almond

A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female.

Aniseed

Aniseed has been an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed it had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases your desire.

Arugula

Arugula or rocket seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century AD. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.

Asparagus

Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience.

Bananas

The banana flower has a phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food.

Basil (sweet basil)

Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility.

Broccoli rabe (and other mustard greens)

The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase virility.

Chocolate

The Aztecs referred to chocolate nourishment of the Gods.

Coffee

Caffeine is a well-know stimulant, but remember too much and it becomes a depressant.

Coriander (Cilantro seed)

The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander.

Fennel

Fennel was used as libido enhancement.

Garlic

The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires.

Ginger

Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system.

Honey

Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their 'honeymoon' drank mead and it was thought to sweeten the marriage.

Liquorice (licorice)

Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust.

Mustard

Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg was highly prized as an aphrodisiac. In quantity, nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect.

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.

Pineapple

Pineapple is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence.

Raspberries and Strawberries

Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover.

Truffles

The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare truffle to be an aphrodisiac.

Vanilla

The scent and flavour of vanilla is believed to increase lust.

Wine

A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses.

Oysters on the half shell with shallot and wine vinegar dressing

2 dozen oysters

1 chopped shallot

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Scrub oysters with a brush under cold running water (do not soak).

Shuck oysters with an oyster knife, cutting the muscle to remove the top shell.

Leave oysters in their shells.

In a bowl, combine shallot with red wine vinegar and water to make dressing.

Arrange opened oysters on a platter of crushed ice.

Spoon 1 tsp of dressing onto each oyster.

Suggestion

Do not open oysters more than three hours before consumption. Ideally, they should be opened 15 minutes ahead of time and served over ice on a large oval platter.

~ Recipe courtresy of www.metro.ca

Life

Trees used by hawks to nest saved near Scarborough Civic Centre

Smelly, cooked or chocolate - playdough recipes for every taste

• It's magic
• Whip up some kitchen fun this March Break
• Lots of March Break camps going on
• Activities to get you through March Break
• Family reunited after 100-year rift
• Bluish offers a compelling story
• Cheese fondue
• Helping people in the world of fashion succeed