Valentines Day – the taste

The thought of Valentine’s Day conjures up tastes of cinnamon hearts, champagne, chocolates, strawberries and aphrodisiacs like oysters. But despite the diversity of sweetheart-themed foods, the focus on this very special day is often dessert, which is why my ‘tastes of Valentine’s Day’ is super sweet (well, except for the oysters).

The Tastes

Where to buy

(clockwise from top left)
The world’s most expensive Valentine’s martini – $15,000 a pop
Naughty Ice Cream Sandwiches
Gatsby Mini Party Cake by Vosges
Heart jelly with Oysters
Pierre Marcolini’s Cœur Framboise in a gorgeous round box
Love letters by Eleni’s NY – 16 hand iced sugar cookies for $59.50
Elegant Cheese Cakes – Small Cake (Serves 4) from $65 . Medium Cake (Serves 8 to 12) from $100 . Large Cake (Serves 16 to 20) from $150
Fat Daddy Hot Kiss cupcake in a jar
Heart sugar cubes by Cox and Cox – 9 British pounds for 30 cubes
Sprinkles XOX box

An original idea

The making of sweet flowers dates back to the 13th century. Histoire Sucree offers this beautiful hand decorated box filled to the brim with crystallized love roses and whole violets lying on a bed of crystallized violet petals and mimosa seeds. $48

Signature Valentine

Reds and pinks are a must to visually communicate Valentine – not to mention the ever iconic heart. But as you can see, fresh new icons like the letters X and O as well as cheeky fruits like cherries communicate the theme just as well. Introductions of dark, rich browns and blacks add indulgence to a pink or red palette.

Get them in the mood

Oh, and if you’re looking for ingredients to make your guest(s) get in the mood, here’s a list of aphrodisiacs from Amy Reiley, the author of the book: Fork Me, Spoon Me: The Sensual Cookbook via Epicurious:

Chile Peppers – Their heat releases endorphins, the primary pleasure enzyme.
Peaches – This mouthwatering fruit is rich in potassium and vitamins A and C and contains iron—all “noted nutrients for improving horizontal salsa.”
Mint – Breath-sweetening mint is also known “for increasing appetites of all kinds.”
Ginger – Whether raw, pickled, or candied, this root is said to increase sensitivity in the erogenous zones.
Honey – The “Nectar of Aphrodite” (and the root of the word “honeymoon”), honey boosts energy, according to Reiley.
Chocolate – Reiley recommends nibbling on dark chocolate for a “serotonin boost” and a modest amount of caffeine.
Mangoes – “The muse of poets and philosophers since the beginning of recorded time, mangoes are prescribed in India to increase male libido,” says Reiley.
Saffron – The rare and expensive spice has been used throughout history in rituals of beauty and love, according to Reiley.
Almonds – “These protein-rich morsels are outstanding in helping sustain stamina” and their blossoms are “an international symbol of fertility.”
Rosemary – With its invigorating aroma and flavor, “rosemary could easily be called one of the kitchen’s most sensual foods.”
Vanilla – The scent of this podlike fruit of an orchid is said to arouse both men and women.
Figs – When cut open, this fruit is said to resemble a certain female body part. It is also rich in energy-boosting iron.