Instructions: Valentines Day is one of my favorite holidays because Im a romantic at heart. And although Ive known for decades that love and romance are affected by what we eat, historical information and recent scientific studies confirm my suspicions.

In theory, certain foods stimulate our nervous systems, increasing blood flow to ... shall I say, vital parts.

Research shows that many of these ingredients are high in vitamins and minerals and also low in fat, assuring us a healthy diet, healthy body and healthy love life.

Since the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, began spreading the word, foods have been associated with the enhancement of passions.

Historically, phallic ingredients were reputed to be some of the most powerful aphrodisiacs. Asparagus, celery, leeks, rosemary make the list.

Avocados were so highly esteemed by the Aztecs that during harvest season, virgins were not allowed outside their homes for fear of becoming pregnant. (How about that guacamole?)

For centuries Asians have prescribed foods such as sharks fin, ginseng, cinnamon, star anise and peppercorns. In Western society, there are many references to artichokes, shiitake mushrooms, honey, figs and chilies as love foods.

Regardless of whether you are a believer in these romantic notions, we all know there is a lot of love involved when someone cooks us a wonderful meal.

Ive always thought that cooking is really an act of love.

Heres a way to prove my theory. Try this fig dessert on Valentines Day.

Its simple, and anyone can make this recipe for a loved one.

Try to find fresh figs for this dish; however, if you cant, just use canned figs. Drain the liquid before broiling them.

I recommend dark, bittersweet chocolate, but you can also use white chocolate or a combination of both if youre feeling amorous.

The pine nuts for the garnish can be used as is. However, they taste much better if you toast them.

Clearly this dish contains some highly regarded romance foods to put you in the right frame of mind for love; perhaps the rest of your body will follow.

The amount of chocolate you use depends on your appetite.

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