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Top treats for Valentine's Day

by Peggy Nuttall

Surprise your partner, a friend or even yourself with the coolest and kookiest treats for February 14

Italian research has shown that women who eat chocolate regularly have a better sex life than those who deny themselves. A study of 8,000 Harvard graduates showed that chocaholics lived longer than abstainers. And research in the iVillage offices reveals that life is a whole lot more enjoyable when augmented with a bit of choccie. Chocolate contains ingredients which control the production of serotonin, the hormone which regulates happiness. So it's official: chocolate is great.

Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this sensual culinary treat as well as other goodies, whether or not you have a partner. Here, iVillage collects the latest chocolate tempters and other sumptuous food for Valentine's Day.

Green & Black's chocolate
This Valentine's Day, the early bird gets not the worm but free Green & Black's chocolate. Green & Black's is launching its free online Valentine's service for one day on Monday 13 February. Those quick enough to be amongst the first 150 people to log on can select three flavours from the luxury bar range, which will be tied up in a pretty ribbon and delivered for free on Valentine's Day. Their moreish flavours - like Butterscotch; Dark & Almond; Hazelnut, Almond and Brazil bars and iVillage's favourite Ginger - are all made from organically grown cocoa beans. Set yourself a reminder for the 13 February and log-on to www.greenandblacks.com to bid for your free bars, or if you don't get there in time you can order your purchase in the conventional way, for £2.49.

Krispy Kreme Valentine's doughnuts
Another Valentine's offer comes from Krispy Kreme, who has created the new heart shaped doughnut just for the special day. From 1 - 12 February you can go to www.krispykreme.co.uk, fill out a form and cross your fingers that you're one of the first 500 to bid. If you are, you (or your chosen recipient) will be sent a box of 12 heart shaped doughnuts with a personalised message on 14 February (£19.95 for a box of 12, delivery is limited to within the M25). If you don't make the cut, the rare gems will also be available at Harrods on 14 February only at £7.95 for a dozen.

Krispy Kreme also offers the Valentine's Raspberry Kiss - a raspberry filled doughnut topped with white vanilla icing and a sprinkling of pink white chocolate hearts. These are available at all Krispy Kreme factory stores and fresh shops from now until 14 February for £7.95 a dozen.

Blavod - the black vodka
Sexy or scary - the jury's out on this one. This vodka really is black (well, a very dark indigo), but its flavour is surprisingly indistinguishable from clear vodka. The colour comes from Black Catechu, an oriental herb which is also meant to make it smoother and softer. It does make striking-looking cocktails when layered with brightly coloured mixers and could be a slightly gothic alternative to the usual Valentine's riot of red. And what better way to display a been-there-done-that attitude toward the heart-shaped celebrations than with a malevolent-looking black martini? If you dare to try it, it's available at Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury and independent retailers at a £10.99.

MissChief's Intimate Forfeit Cookies
Imagine this embarrassing scenario at your local Chinese: you and your partner have scoffed your all-you-can-eat buffet for a fiver and the bill comes with the obligatory fortune cookies. With your bellies full of sweet and sour you open your cookie with eager anticipation, only to discover it's an intimate forfeit commanding you to perform all sorts of lewd things on your partner.

The local Chinese is not the most appropriate place to carry out these saucy suggestions, so make sure you keep your MissChief Intimate Forfeit Cookies and their suggestions in the privacy of your own home. Example forfeits include: 'Misschief invites you and your date to strap five pieces of fruit of different shapes between your upright bodies. No hands now.'

These are an indulgence which are certainly reflected in the price at £8 for 8 cookies, and can be ordered online at www.getintomisschief.com