KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifiedsPrepare a romantic dinner for two

Prepare a romantic dinner for two

Updated: Feb 10, 2011 04:30 PM EST
Whatever you make this Valentine's Day, just remember the most important thing is spending quality time with your partner. (©iStockphoto.com/Andrzej Burak) Whatever you make this Valentine's Day, just remember the most important thing is spending quality time with your partner. (©iStockphoto.com/Andrzej Burak)

  • Latest News from HAYS

  • Let HAYS be your destination for the finest selection of festive and delicious party trays with our 'Chef's Moments Party and Entertainment Guide'. Available at all HAYS locations and online here.
    As families and friends gather this holiday season, let HAYS be your destination for the finest selection of festive and delicious party trays with our 'Chef's Moments Party and Entertainment Guide'. Available at all HAYS locations and online here.

  • It’s convenient. It’s logical. It’s affordable. The new HAYS gift card offers an easy way to give a gift that will always be appreciated.
    It’s convenient. It’s logical. It’s affordable. The new HAYS gift card offers an easy way to give a gift that will always be appreciated.

By Amy Reiley

Valentine's Day is well-known as restaurants' busiest night of the year. So why spend your special evening ear-to-elbow with a dining room full of strangers? Making a romantic dinner at home can be less stressful and sexier -- not to mention lighter on the wallet.

The key to preparing a romantic dinner for two is planning. Selecting a menu that incorporates aphrodisiac ingredients can make the evening more successful. Chile peppers and ginger can raise body temperature, cause a release of endorphins and bring a sexy blush to the cheeks. Truffles replicate the scent of male pheromones, champagne brings on a giddy sensation, and the scent of Blanc de Blancs-style sparkling wines offers an aroma similar to that of female pheromones.

On the big night, you want to be able to focus your energy on the one you love. Plan dishes that can be prepped in advance, or that you can make together, like rolling vegetarian sushi. Slow-cooked dishes like Coq au Vin or a seafood stew are smart choices. I sometimes make a turkey meatloaf with chunks of fresh mango folded in for an easy -- but slightly exotic -- dinner. Add a salad of fresh kale (which is good for your skin) with aged Parmesan, thinly sliced apple, and olive oil -- seasoned with salt and pepper -- for a complete meal.

Keep the whole dinner light, including dessert. Try simple sweets like fresh fruit dipped in warm chocolate. You don't need a fondue pot; just bring cream or half-and-half to a near boil, remove from heat and stir in an equal amount of high-quality dark chocolate until smooth and glossy. For added antioxidant benefits and a delicious little crunch, stir in a handful of cocoa nibs.

Whatever you make this Valentine's Day, just remember the most important thing is spending quality time with your partner.

For more on Valentine's Day, check out:

Amy Reiley is the editorial director of EatSomethingSexy.com, a cookbook author and an aphrodisiac foods authority. 

Copyright (c) 2011 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.

  • More Region 8 News ...More REGION 8 Headlines

  • Monday, May 21 2012 5:20 PM EDT2012-05-21 21:20:03 GMT
    The Arkansas Lottery Commission is to hold its first meeting since its internal auditor abruptly resigned earlier this month.
    The Arkansas Lottery Commission has agreed to ask the Legislature to grant police powers to lottery security staff.

  • Monday, May 21 2012 4:34 PM EDT2012-05-21 20:34:34 GMT
    JEFFERSON CITY, MO (AP) - Gov. Jay Nixon is studying legislation expanding Missouri's "move over" law to include stopped Transportation Department vehicles with flashing amber or white lights. Missouri's
    Gov. Jay Nixon is studying legislation expanding Missouri's "move over" law to include stopped Transportation Department vehicles with flashing amber or white lights.

  • Monday, May 21 2012 4:14 PM EDT2012-05-21 20:14:21 GMT
    JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) – Two armed robberies have happened in Jonesboro overnight. According to Lt. Steve McDaniel, two black men robbed a customer and clerk at gunpoint at the Kum & Go on Southwest Dr.
    According to Lieutenant Steve McDaniel, two men robbed a customer and clerk at gunpoint at the Kum & Go on Southwest Dr. and Culberhouse Rd. around 2:30 Monday morning. Not too far away, the Country Mart on Southwest Dr. was also hit around 11 p.m. Sunday. And, on Saturday, two men also robbed Firehouse Subs on Southwest Dr. at 10 p.m. Saturday.
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.