Dating in the city may revolve around the restaurant scene, but getting in the kitchen with you partner can result in way steamier results (pun definitely intended). Why is cooking together sexy? Because food is sensual. Eating is one of life's greatest pleasures – the prep work, the tasting, the anticipation, and enjoyment is a gratifying process. It's even more rewarding if you make it a collaborative one. Light some candles and cue up a playlist of croony tunes. These 5 ideas will stoke your appetite for a romantic Valentine's Day.
Sushi
Making sushi rolls at home is easier than it looks. If you can make rice (or have a rice cooker that can do it for you), you can make fresh maki in under an hour. (Beginners, take a look at this step-by-step guide to perfect homemade sushi.) The beauty of this recipe is how creative you can get with flavour combos. Stock up on fresh avocados, salmon, mango, lettuce, and experiment. Don't forget the wasabi and / or pickled ginger. No forks allowed.
Gnocchi
The perfect simple comfort food: Scoop out the flesh of 3 potatoes and place in a bowl. Add 3 eggs, 2 cups of flour, salt and pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir and knead until a soft dough forms. Add more flour (up to one cup) necessary. Divide the dough into 4 balls and roll each into a 1-inch snake. Cut each into 1 inch pieces and drop into a pot of boiling water. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes until they float. Toss in olive oil and parmesan cheese, or pesto, or marinara sauce. Simply delish.
Pizza
Making fresh, yeasty, from-scratch dough and topping it with your favourite veggies / meats / cheese is a process worth the time and effort it takes. Takeout ain't got nothing on these three recipes thought up by Italian-born culinary mastermind Giada de Laurentiis. Make them heart shaped if you’re feeling extra … well, cheesy.
Mussels
Mussels have a long history of being an aphrodisiac food. Did you know that science backs it up, too? The amino acids found in these cructaceans has the potential to raise sexual hormone levels. To cook mussels, toss them in a heated saucepan with butter, chopped onion, and salt and pepper. Squeeze over some lemon juice. Pour in a bottle of beer (wheat beer works best), and oil, covered, for 15 minutes. Toss any that don’t open. Serve prinkle with chopped green onions.
Vegetable curry
Warming curry and hearty root vegetables are made for frigid winter nights. For a simple and satisfying veggie curry, saute an onion and two garlic cloves in butter until soft. Add 2 thickly chopped parsnips, 2 chopped sweet potatoes, and 4 chopped carrots and stir fry until slightly golden. Add 2 tablespoons of curry powder, a half cup of dried lentils and 4 cups of veggie stock. Bring to a boil and cover and simmer for 15 minutes, until vegetables and lentils are soft. Serve over rice. Spicy, earthy, and uber satisfying.
Now finish off dinner with a good dose of top-quality chocolate. No. Guilt. Allowed. Happy Valentine's Day. We hope you enjoy every bite of this romantic holiday.
