Add mussel power to your Valentine's Day plans

Recipe:

Each February brings the pressure for the perfect date night for married and dating couples across the country. This Valentine's Day, instead of dining at the most chic restaurant in town, try treating your special someone to a night in, featuring a homemade meal that is as affordable as it is delicious and extravagant.

"We've all heard of chocolate and strawberries as romantic foods," says Linda Duncan, executive director of the Canadian Mussel Industry Council, "but fresh blue cultured mussels are another excellent aphrodisiac - one that's easy to prepare and fun to share and eat together with your date."

American and Italian researchers claim that mussels contain compounds that prompt the body to release hormones connected with physical attraction. Mussels are also rich in zinc, a mineral known to keep feelings of love and passion alive. Combine mussels with a bottle of Champagne or white wine and your Valentine's Day will be one to remember.

"Mussels make a wonderful romantic meal that can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit all tastes. They're a perfectly elegant dinner for two while also being light and healthy," says Duncan. She recommends pairing a simple recipe for mussels with greens and blue cheese with a classic movie for a romantic night at home.

Unlike other amorous foods, you won't feel bad about indulging in mussels on your special night as they are low in saturated fat while providing a great source of protein, minerals and omega-3s. In addition to helping Cupid hit his mark, mussels are a dietary antioxidant and a good source of vitamin C. Atlantic Canadian fresh blue mussels will have you in the mood for love and feeling good about it.

To celebrate the aphrodisiac effects of fresh mussels, the Mussel Industry Council houses a Date Night e-Vite tool on its website, so aspiring romantics can invite that special someone out, and provide the sweet (or saucy) details about the kind of date they would like to have. In addition to an abundance of recipes to bring some steamy fun to mealtime, the site also features a chance to win a romantic trip for two to San Francisco.

Mussels with Greens and Blue Cheese
Number of servings: four to six

Ingredients:
5 pounds blue cultured mussels
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound pancetta, prosciutto or bacon, diced
2 shallots, minced
1 cup white wine
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 cup creamy blue cheese
Large handful arugula, spinach or watercress
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Crusty bread to serve

Directions:
Stir the fresh blue mussels in a colander while rinsing in tap water. Set aside for a few minutes. Tap any that are open and discard those that don't close in response to the tap.

Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add pancetta, prosciutto or bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Add shallot and cook, stirring, for two to three minutes more. Add wine, lemon juice and blue cheese. Stir briefly, then add mussels.

Cover and leave to steam for five to seven minutes, or until mussels are open. Discard any mussels that do not open.

Toss in greens and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with lemon zest.

Serve with slices of crusty bread.

Get revved up for Valentine's Day by visiting the Mussel Industry Council website at www.discovermussels.com. Representing the mussel industry in Canada, the site has other romantic suggestions for Valentine's Day.