Columnist Muriel Stevens: Don’t forget sweets for your sweetie

Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002 | 8:23 a.m.

"Chocolate is provocative to lust!" Those words declared by Henry Stubbs, England's royal physician in the 17th century, have reverberated through the centuries.

Scientists keep coming up with the most interesting findings about chocolate. Researchers keep telling us that chocolate is a mild aphrodisiac, containing both caffeine (small amounts) and theobromine. Both are known to stimulate the nervous system.

Those of us with a passion for chocolate don't need any scientific evidence that chocolate is love; we just love chocolate unconditionally. No wonder chocolate still ranks as a top Valentine's Day gift for both males and females.

Having a Valentine's Day dinner at home? Combine chocolates with a bottle of wine or spirits and forget about dessert.

Try chocolates with a vodka martini or just a chilled glass of vodka, American-made from Idaho potatoes. Teton Glacier Idaho Potato Vodka fills the bill.

Try this with the vodka: Place the bottle in the freezer for a few hours or more. The silky liquid becomes lightly syrupy. Chase the vodka with a fine chocolate truffle. Let it slowly melt in your mouth as it joins the vodka -- lovely stuff.

Having dinner out? Bring the chocolates and order the vodka.

Celebrate America and your valentine with chocolates from Las Vegas' own Ethel M. Its catalog is filled with delectable suggestions and gifts. And how about designing your own valentine? Better hurry: There's a time limit for this service. Of course, all Ethel M shops have gift packages and the factory store in Henderson is filled with myriad gifts. Catalogs are available at all stores.

See's Candies is another all-American choice. New this year is a fancy truffle-filled selection with an array of creamy truffles in a red heart-shaped box with a sexy bow. Also new is a 2-pound sampler in a large heart-shaped box. For a view of the Valentine's Day selection visit See's website, sees.com.

NECCO (New England Confectionery Company) has launched its first Hispanic Sweethearts heart-shaped candies with new sayings. This company has been producing Sweethearts Conversation Hearts since 1902. There are 32 Spanish love mottos. The idea came to the company from a customer in Puerto Rico. Hispanic Sweethearts are available at Walmart, Walgreens and other retailers.

For something new and different check out heart-carved veggies, exclusively from Frieda's, The Specialty Produce People. Three business days are required for Valentine's Day orders. Minimum order is 1 pound, about 16 pieces. Varieties available include gold or red beet, striped beet, purple potato, turnip, Yukon Gold potato and regular potato and watermelon radish. A minimum order is $32.50 and includes shipping. To order call (800) 241-1771, or order online at friedas.com.

Amen Wardy Home update: Amen Wardy Home at 4320 S. Decatur Blvd., a showroom that's open to the public, will offer Saturday hours beginning Feb. 19, when Wardy returns from a buying trip abroad. He'll search for unusual items in Milan, Italy, Paris, Frankfurt, Germany, London and China.