A simple dinner that will set the mood on Valentine's Day

PHOENIX - It’s possible that your favorite restaurant is booked for Valentine’s Day, but don’t worry, dinner at home can be just as romantic.

Executive Chef at Different Pointe of View restaurant at the Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Anthony DeMuro says you can make a simple dish full of ingredients that will really help the mood.

DeMuro says many foods that are good for your health are also aphrodisiacs. He says a simple pesto on top of sautéed scallops, for example, is a great Valentine’s Day dinner.

Different Pointe of View restaurant is booked up for Valentine’s Day but they do still have some reservations open for the weekend after the 14th. You can make reservations by going to opentable.com

  Aphrodisiac Basil & Arugula Pesto Recipe

• Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 cups fresh rocket arugula, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 5 medium sized roasted garlic cloves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Procedure

1 In a food processor combine the basil & arugula with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. Add the roasted garlic, pulse a few more times.

2 Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.