Looking to spice things up this Valentine’s Day? Why not let your meal help?Peppers, a versatile member of the fruit family (nope, not a vegetable,) are the perfect ingredient, and with so many varieties, the spice level is totally up to you. So is the presentation ~ dark green, red, purple, brown ~ even heirloom ~ what you choose to taste and serve is totally up to you and whatever mood you’re in! Regardless of the type you choose, mild or red hot, they are great sources of vitamins A and C, with just 1 cup supplying more than 100% of your daily needs. What gives them their crazy, zesty, spicy flavor that turns your mouth on fire and brings tears to your eyes? Capsaicin! If that’s what you’re looking for, go with habaneros as your first choice and jalapeno as your second. Red ones are usually the hottest, but don’t be fooled as some of the others can sneak up on you! Whatever you do, if the heat catches you, don’t think water will quench it ~ go with something like an almond or coconut milk to better dull the sensation. The good news is, hot peppers release endorphins ~ the pleasure hormone. That’s why some cultures consider them to be an aphrodisiac…
Speaking of which, why not combine this hot bite with another ~ chocolate! We all know how common a gift chocolates are for Valentine’s Day, and Theo Chocolates, the only Organic, Fair Trade, For for Life certified Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Factory in North America, offers a 70% dark chocolate bar with spicy chili mixed right in ~ vegan and hot! (Their dark chocolate bar with cherries and almonds is my favorite...) Whether you want to whip up your own spicy number, buy something that is already made for you, or just grab one of these decadent chocolate bars, you can’t go wrong this February 14th. Enjoy!
