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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Belmont chapter.

For this Valentine’s Day you might want to try making a home-cooked meal instead of going out to eat. Cooking a meal with your significant other or giving yourself some “me-time” to cook for yourself can make this holiday all the more special. There’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal, especially on Valentine’s Day. Decorate the table with rose petals, light a few candles, play your favorite record. Then all you need to do is eat. Whether you’re dining for two, celebrating Galentine’s Day, or treating yo’self, this romantic meal will keep you nourished, happy and feelin’ the love!

 

Appetizer: Salmon Sushi Rolls

 

Salmon is well known to hold aphrodisiac abilities, sure to raise dopamine levels with the power of protein and serotonin! Sushi is a wonderful dish to serve as an appetizer and is super fun to make (with or without a partner in crime). No need to be intimidated by the task of making sushi rolls from scratch; here’s a how-to video that makes it look easier than baking a cake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w6tenYZ9Y8

 

Side Salad: Mix + Match

 

Salads go well with any meal, and it’s surprising how many foods with aphrodisiac qualities can easily be put into one. Both its taste and aesthetic will pop with all the yummy foods and colors. Here’s a list of potential ingredients, so feel free to mix-and-match whichever (or all!) of the ingredients you want to include in your “lovers salad!”

 

Greens: Spinach and Arugula

Fruit: Strawberries, Pomegranate and Watermelon

Veggies: Tomato and Avocado

Nuts: Chopped Almonds and Pine Nuts

Toppings: Lemon Juice and Fresh Basil

 

Main Course: Steak and Asparagus

 

Steak and asparagus make for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner because both foods are sophisticated and legendary for their aphrodisiac status. Plus, we all know steak is the way to a woman’s heart. Cook your steak to preference, and season the asparagus with some butter and garlic, and if you’re really feeling fancy, throw some oysters into a pan to cook as well.

 

Dessert: Chocolate and Red Wine

 

Finally, everyone’s favorite course — dessert. Bring out your favorite bottle of red wine, and if you want to get super fancy, you can throw together a decadent chocolate dish, but really anything chocolate will do. You can’t go wrong with chocolate. Not only is it good for you, but it’s also a legendary aphrodisiac, and, most importantly, it releases Phenylethylamine (the feel-good endorphin released when people fall in love) — it’s a triple threat!

So sit back, sip on a nice glass of red wine, and enjoy some chocolate and the company of your SO or your wonderful self.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Growing up in the Chicagoland area, she eventually made her way down South for warmer winters in Nashville, TN. She is an Entertainment Industry Studies major at Belmont University, also pursuing a minor in classical percussion, one of her other many passions. Cassandra also enjoys health and fitness and is a current member of CHAARG. Cassandra's biggest passion for writing is what brought her to Her Campus, and now that she is a part of the writing team, she can't wait to share her thoughts, stories, and discoveries about health/fitness, music, traveling, food, and life itself.