Pan-fried Oysters and Arugula Salad with creamy dressing can ignite a passionate evening. (Photo by RUDY LIWANAG)

The ‘love month’ is a perfect time to rekindle old flames.  And what better way to make your lover fall in love with you again than to simply prepare him or her with an appetizing food that comes with an aphrodisiac potential.

The Cuisinera Club, a cooking community supported by Dona Elena products, recently held a cooking seminar exploring ingredients which arguably have aphrodisiac components. The Oyster is first on the list. Some experts agree that this treasure from the sea is high in D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate, properties that increase the levels of male testosterone.

To some, it is a libido-enhancing ingredient, since it tickles your palates when eaten. Whether or not, it was a secret ingredient used by famed lover Casanova who they say ate 50 oysters for breakfast because of its aphrodisiac properties, it is how the oysters are prepared that would make it more as a Valentine treat which sets the mood for a  romantic night.

Here’s an oyster-based recipe called Pan-fried oysters and arugula salad with creamy dressing that you could prepare for your lover.

Pan-fried Oysters And Arugula Salad With Creamy Dressing

Ingredients
½ tbsp Dona Elena Pure Olive Oil
3 strips bacon, sliced into ½ inch strips
2 tbsp red onions, chopped finely
1 tsp garlic, minced
Salt to taste
White pepper to taste
2-3 T Pernod (vodka)
½ cup heavy cream
1 pc egg yolk, lightly whisked
10 pcs medium-sized oysters
½ cup seasoned flour (salt, pepper, cayenne)
½ cup Dona Elena Pure Olive Oil
2 cups spinach, large stems removed
4 cups arugula, cleaned

Procedure:
1. Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the bacon, shallots, garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of white pepper and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. For the creamy dressing, add in the cream and the Pernod and reduce the sauce by half for about 5 minutes.
4. Place the remaining cream and egg yolk in a bowl and whisk to combine.
5. Add the oysters into the mixture and set aside.
6. In a shallow dish, combine the flour with salt, black pepper, and the cayenne. Dredge each oyster in the seasoned flour and set aside.
7. Heat olive oil in a pan.
8. Add the oysters and cook until golden.
9. Drain on paper towels.
10. In a large mixing bowl, add in the spinach, arugula, and creamy dressing, tossing to combine.
11. Garnish with the fried oysters.