Oven-Baked Oysters for Lovers

There is no single perfect food. More than 40 bioactive nutrients are present in different proportions in various whole foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, dairy, egg, etc.) However, certain foods are recognized as superfoods, health foods, or even aphrodisiacs.

Nutritionally, OYSTERS are pretty beneficial but are also known for their libido-boosting effects. They are an excellent source of zinc, vitamin D, copper, and manganese. Zinc is essential for robust fertility and optimal male sexual function, and these are crucial micronutrients needed for optimal health. This could also be where oysters get their reputation for being "good" for your sex drive and sexual performance. Over 80 enzymes require zinc to accomplish the biochemical reactions necessary for life. Zinc also helps manage dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels, which promote sexual arousal, sexual function and enhance the brain's activation by sexual cues.

All this to say the phrase "Eat oysters, love longer" is backed up with some scientific understanding.

Bottom line, an oyster dish would provide a good source of nutrients that support sexual health and make the perfect addition to a romantic (Valentine's Day) dinner.

The following recipe is a simple way to prepare shucked/ shelled oysters, easily procured at your local grocer. Per the Joy of Cooking cookbook, rinse the oysters under running water to remove bits of shell or sand, but do not soak in water as the oyster absorbs the water and dilutes the flavor. Dry them with a paper towel before continuing with the recipe.

Oven Baked Oysters for lovers

1 pint oysters, fresh in a jar

Garlic Butter Sauce

½ cup butter

½ cup diced shallots

1 tsp minced garlic

½ tsp. dried or fresh thyme, oregano, parsley

½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp. key lime juice (or use lemon juice)

Topping

¼ cup crumbled bacon or ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven 350*

2. Place one or two oysters in each cup of a muffin pan.

3. Make butter sauce by melting the butter and stirring in all the garlic sauce ingredients.

4. Spoon garlic butter sauce over each oyster, mostly covering the oyster.

5. Baked in oven for 5 minutes, remove, add the crumbled bacon, place back in the oven for 2 more minutes.

6. Once baked, you can place in a scallop shell for presentation.

7. Serve immediately

Optional:

1. After baking oysters in oven for seven minutes, remove sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, place back in the oven for another 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.