Delectable Ways to Add Mintiness to Your Dishes and Drinks with Fresh Mint

Mint has many health benefits and is one of my all time favorite herbs! I have a quite a bit of mint growing in my back flower bed and lately I have been contemplating various ways in which it could be utilized in foods and drinks. Frequently I place several leaves in my water to add gusto and I love running my fingers through the leaves to release the mint aroma! I never get tired of the scent, in fact I would be delighted if everything was mint flavored but for now, here are a few easy ways to add a minty freshness to your dishes and drinks! 

Mint Ice Cubes– These are perfect for summer or mixed drinks

Place 2 to 3 mint leaves into each cube of an ice tray. Fill the ice tray with the water and freeze until the tray is solid.

Yogurt Mix-ins: Add mint to yogurt 

My family enjoys all flavors of yogurt, and I love the idea of adding fresh mint to yogurt to add an extra zing. Plus berries and mint have always been a pair that works beautifully. Mix plain unsweetened Greek yogurt with strawberries or mixed berries and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint. Yum!

Salad Ingredient: Mint adds the perfect flavor for salads

Chop up a few leaves and add them to your salad along with some freshly grated ginger and lemon zest. The flavor combo is amazing and adds a great summery flare to your favorite salad.

Mint Tea: Make your own mint tea to aid digestion

Use 5-10 big leaves or more depending on how strong you want the tea. Tear the leaves and place in a mug, then muddle the leaves for a few seconds with the back of a wooden spoon. Pour very hot but not boiling water over the leaves and let steep 5-10 minutes. You can remove the leaves or leave them in.

Chocolate covered mint leaves: You can’t go wrong with the dynamite duo of chocolate and mint.

I love most foods dipped in chocolate! Take fresh mint leaves, one by one, and dip them in melted chocolate chips and let chill in the fridge until the chocolate has hardened. These would also be delicious on ice cream or sherbet!

Mojito’s– This tasty cocktail is always delicious and refreshing.

Ingredients: (This easy recipe is from Allrecipes.com)

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 1/2 fluid ounces white rum
• 1/2 cup club soda

Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with carbonated water. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge. 

Hopefully these ideas will give you inspiration to use fresh mint in your next dish or add to a refreshing drink!