They say the best way to your sweetie's heart is through the stomach. Are you thinking of cooking your way to Happily Ever After this Valentine's Day?

It wouldn't hurt to up your odds, would it? Some ancient wisdom combined with beautiful, tasty food makes for an indulgent persuasion - a sizzling Valentine dinner menu loaded with aphrodisiacs...

Appetizer

Oysters with garlic, spinach and watercress
*oysters make any list of edible aphrodisiacs with plenty of protein and zinc, important for sexual health; garlic is just one of those feel-good spices guaranteed to get you revved up.

Main Course

Arugula Salad with strawberries, toasted almonds, red onions, and freshly grated parmesan cheese
*arugula has been used as an aphrodisiac for 2000 years, almonds are helpful for male sexual health and are believed to stimulate female passion, and strawberries - c'mon, you know it's the ultimate erotic fruit!

Filet Mignon flavored with cognac and mustard
*alcohol in moderation will relax you enough to loosen up and enjoy yourself, and mustard is believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire.

Steamed Asparagus
*doesn't the phallic shape give it away? Serve it up with a simple sauce or just a pat of butter and a sprinkling of salt & pepper. Asparagus is also a good source of folic acid, so in case you happen to conceive a baby that night... ;) ;)

Serve your favorite red wine with dinner.

Dessert

Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
*not only are these incredibly sexy to share, chocolate contains tryptophan which increases seratonin production in your brain. High levels of seratonin can produce elation and then... ecstasy!

Espresso
*after your filling meal and a glass or two of wine, a rich espresso will be just the perk you need to get ready for an all-nighter. Don't overindulge though, as you might find it works as a depressant in larger quantities.

Have any steamy meal ideas to share? Post them in the comments.