Charlottetown, PEI, January 20, 2011 - (NC) — 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 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 champagne or a bottle of white wine as used in the recipe below 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,” said Duncan. She recommends Mussels with Greens and Blue Cheese paired with a classic movie for a romantic night at home.

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: 4-6
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

5 lbs               blue cultured mussels
2 tbsp             olive oil
200g               pancetta, prosciutto or bacon, diced
2                     shallots, minced
1 cup              white wine
200g               creamy blue cheese
large handful    arugula, spinach or watercress
sea salt and pepper to taste
crusty bread to serve
juice and zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
1. 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.
2. 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 2-3 minutes more. Add wine, lemon juice and blue cheese. Stir briefly, then add mussels.
3. Cover and leave to steam for 5-7 minutes, or until mussels are open. Discard any mussels that do not open.
4. Toss in greens and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with lemon zest.
5. Serve with slices of crusty bread.
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