According to my inbox filled with every “Don’t Worry You Have Your Galentines!” story idea and “Gifts that Will Have Him Proposing Before Dessert” pitch under the sun, it's officially Valentine's season again.

Because according to whomever designs the CVS decor displays that have been up since December 26th—why only bully single people for a day when you can do it for three months instead?

But don’t worry—while everybody is hustling to snag the last spot at Lucali or a reservation at that one burger place that Taylor Swift went to that one time (they only have a 4:30pm res left, I checked), I’ve decided to simplify the process all together. Below you’ll find a mix of:

• Valentine’s Day fun food facts (prime flirting material…IMO)

• Recipes to whip up for your date even if you swear you “can’t cook”

• The chemistry behind aphrodisiacs (& if oysters actually do make you horny)

• A few romantic movies to watch

• Some red flags to look out for on dating apps

• & so much more!

My qualifications include: Watching every romantic comedy ever (multiple times over), perfecting the art of the casual "Oh, I just whipped this up" seven-course meal, and memorizing enough weird, niche food science to convince my date that chocolate actually does contain the same chemicals as falling in love—which is either fascinating or deeply concerning, depending on how you feel about the industrialization of romance.

Mad Science: The Chemistry of Chocolate & Love

Remember in high school chemistry when they taught us about neurotransmitters and you thought "When will I ever use this?"

Well…turns out your brain on love looks remarkably similar to your brain on chocolate.

When you're falling in love, your body releases:

• Dopamine (the "reward" chemical)

• Serotonin (the "happy" hormone)

• Oxytocin (the "cuddle" hormone)

• Norepinephrine (the "butterflies" feeling)

While the relationship between food and love is complex, certain foods have been found to influence our brain chemistry. Let's dive into why chocolate quite literally makes us feel like we're falling in love—

Chocolate contains:

• Theobromine: A mild stimulant that increases heart rate (read: butterflies)

• Phenylethylamine: The same chemical your brain produces when you're in love

• Tryptophan: Helps produce serotonin

• Anandamide: Known as the "bliss molecule"

• Caffeine: Increases alertness and focus

Mad Science (After Dark)

Ok, now we’ve covered the connection between food and love, but what about sex? Can foods actually turn you on? What is the deal with aphrodisiacs?

Throughout history, humans have linked certain foods to sexual desire. Some make scientific sense, others are purely psychological, and some are just oddly shaped (looking at you, asparagus).

Actually Scientifically Supported:

• Oysters 🦪 : High in zinc and D-aspartic acid, which boost testosterone

• Dark chocolate 🍫 : Increases blood flow and endorphins (see above)

• Chili peppers 🌶️ : Release endorphins and increase heart rate

• Red wine 🍷 : Contains resveratrol which increases blood flow (in moderation!)

Historically Believed (But Limited Evidence):

• Strawberries 🍓 : Shape + color psychology

• Figs 🌳 : Ancient symbolism + amino acids

• Honey 🍯 : Historical aphrodisiac + quick energy

• Avocados 🥑 : Aztecs called them "fertility fruit"

• Pine nuts 🌰 : Ancient Romans put them in love potions

• Pomegranates 🍎 : In ancient Greece they symbolized Aphrodite

A Menu for Every Valentine's Scenario

All of the recipes are linked on the Pepper app!

First Date (Trying to Impress)

*props for the full send V-day first date, legend

1. Appetizer: Burrata with honey and figs

2. Main: Carbonara (recipe below)

3. Dessert: Chocolate-covered strawberries

Long-Term Partner (Comfort + Romance)

1. Appetizer: Shared cheese board

2. Main: Homemade pizza

3. Dessert: Molten chocolate cakes

Galentine's Day

Check out this amazing Galentine’s SOIRÉE we hosted last year with our friends at PCA Skin, Elta MD, Lawless Beauty, Michel et Augustin, Tiny Fish Co, and more!

1. Appetizer: DIY crostini bar

2. Main: Heart-shaped pasta

3. Dessert: Chocolate fondue

The Only Carbonara Recipe You Need

*unless you're actually Italian, in which case please stop reading

This recipe is a love letter to “it’s the thought that counts” and “you can’t mess up pasta” and is perfect for pretending you know what you're doing on a third date.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti

• 4 egg yolks (setting aside the whites for a future meringue project we all know will never happen)

• 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano

• 4 oz guanciale (or pancetta if you can't find guanciale, or bacon if you can't find pancetta, or just cry)

• Freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

Check out the full recipe on the Pepper App!

Note: If you're reading this recipe on Valentine's Day, it's already too late. Order pizza.

A New Yorker-Style Field Guide to Dating App Food References and What They Actually Mean