In the spirit of February and Valentine’s Day we are focusing on aphrodisiac foods! Do they really work to increase libido and help “set the mood?” When looking at the nutritional content of proclaimed aphrodisiacs, there is some truth to these claims.

Here are some of the physiological effects that aphrodisiac foods may have on the body: increasing blood flow (in all the important places), enhancing mood, supporting sex hormones, producing energy, boosting libido and mimicking pheromones. How great does that sound? The recipe this month includes figs, which are known as a natural aphrodisiac. We hope you enjoy this dinner and anything that may follow. 

Adapted from Everylastbite.com (https://www.everylastbite.com/balsamic-chicken-figs/)

Ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
½ tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. honey
3 shallots, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1 cup chicken stock
2 cups shredded curly kale
5 figs cut into halves/quarters, depending on size

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large cast iron skillet (or oven-proof pan) heat the olive oil. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper and then cook for four minutes per side in the oil until golden in color. Once cooked, transfer to a plate.
  3. In a bowl whisk together the mustard, honey and balsamic vinegar. 
  4. Add the diced shallots and garlic to the pan and cook for four minutes until the shallots begin to soften. Add in the sliced red onions and thyme and let cook for three minutes before pouring in the balsamic/mustard mixture and chicken stock. 
  5. Let everything simmer for four minutes before adding in the chopped kale. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and arrange the fig pieces around the pan. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and then bake in the oven for 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Sprinkle with more thyme before serving.
  7. Serve with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.