How to Make a Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner

Are you looking for a way to make your Valentine's Day extra special this year? Cooking a romantic dinner for your heart's desire can make the holiday memorable and help add some spark to your relationship. This page will show you how to make a romantic Valentine's Day dinner that will allow you to show that special someone exactly how much you care about her or him.

The precise origins of the Valentine's Day holiday are somewhat ambiguous. The day is named after Saint Valentine, but exactly what he did to earn this honor is not quite clear, as multiple stories exist. In fact, it is not even known which Saint Valentine the holiday is attributed to, as the Catholic church recognizes three martyrs known by this moniker.

Many people believe that the Valentine in question was a priest in Rome, who saved the institution of marriage in the third century after it was banned by Emperor Claudius II. Claudius thought that unmarried men made better soldiers, and attempted to block them from marriage altogether. Others say that Valentine made his mark by aiding Christians in their escape from Roman prisons. Still others claim that the saint sent the very first valentine--a love letter to the girl of his desire--from prison just before his execution. Whatever the origins may be, Valentine's Day has emerged as a day where couples around the world express their affection for their loved ones. http://www.history.com/content/valentine/history-of-valentine-s-day

The first step when planning your romantic feast is to set up a scene that will evoke feelings of love and desire. This can include a lacy white or red tablecloth, candles (opt for the unscented variety, as any scents may interfere with the aromas of your food), fancy napkins and fine wine glasses. This is a good time to break out the good china, or at least use classy tableware. The more thought you put into setting your table, the more your lover is likely to be impressed by your efforts.

Of course, there is also some room here to get creative. There is no law that states that your Valentine's Day dinner must take place at a proper dinner table. If the weather in your neck of the woods is pleasant during the month of February, why not take your date to a park or other outdoor location for a romantic picnic? If the weather is not so nice, consider a "picnic" in your own home. You may set down a blanket near the fireplace, or even deliver your dinner to your partner in the living room (romantically set up, of course) and set in on a TV tray or coffee table.

Naturally, the menu is the most important element of your romantic Valentine's Day feast. Take your lover's likes and dislikes into consideration. Is there a particular specialty that she or he has always claimed to love? Something they have always said that they wanted to try? Remember to keep any allergies in mind, as there is nothing romantic about a sudden case of hives!

If you are not sure what to make, you may want to whip up a dinner of aphrodisiac foods. These items are said to enhance the libido, and Valentine's Day may be an excellent time to put them to the test! Known aphrodisiac foods include:

• Papaya
• Pine nuts
• Soy productshttp://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/redefining-stress/200903/the-aphrodisiac-foods-and-libido
• Oysters
• Avocado
• Beets
• Honey
• Pomegranate
• Raspberries
• Red wine
• Vanilla
• Rosemary
• Garlic
• Grapes http://www.eatsomethingsexy.com/aphrodisiac/index.htm

Foods that are red or pink in color are generally good choices for Valentine's Day, as well. These will evoke the spirit of the holiday. If you are still unsure about the dinner menu, you may want to peruse this page on how to make Valentine's Day dinner, where you will find ideas for salads, appetizers and desserts, along with recipes that match the occasion.

Your Valentine's Day dessert is one of the most important parts of your entire dinner. After all, this is the note that you will be ending your meal on, and will set the tone for the rest of the evening. Chocolate is well known for its mood-enhancing properties, and has been said to boost the libido. A chocolate cake, brownie topped with Vanilla ice cream and fudge sauce, or Valentine's Day cupcakes are all excellent choices. If you are not into chocolate, try a fruity dessert such as white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, strawberry shortcake or peach sorbet with whipped cream and raspberry sauce.

If you do not wish to bake, you may want to try making a dessert cocktail. For bartending novices, there are plenty of selections of dessert wines and liqueurs available at most liquor stores. Ruby port, tawny port and sauternes are all popular sweet wines for after-dinner sipping. Keep in mind that dessert wines generally have a somewhat high alcohol content compared to regular wines, so keep servings proportionate. Common post-meal cordials include Amaretto, Irish cream and sambuca. If you have some mixing prowess, try whipping up a chocolate martini or caramel apple martini.