Easy Fresh Mint Recipes: From Cocktails To Desserts

July 02, 2023 Post a Comment

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10 Great Ways to Use Fresh Mint! Kate's Kitchen Garden from www.kateskitchengarden.com

Description

Mint is an aromatic herb that can elevate any dish or drink with its refreshing and cooling flavor. It's easy to find fresh mint in grocery stores or even grow it in your own garden. In this article, we'll explore some easy and delicious ways to use fresh mint in your cooking and baking.

Prep Time and Cook Time

The prep time for these recipes ranges from 5 to 20 minutes, while the cook time varies from 0 to 45 minutes, depending on the dish.

Ingredients and Equipment

The main ingredient for these recipes is fresh mint leaves, but you'll also need other common pantry items like sugar, lemon, lime, and berries. You'll need a blender for some of the recipes, as well as basic kitchen tools like measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, and a saucepan.

Method

1. Fresh Mint Tea: Boil water in a saucepan, add fresh mint leaves, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and sweeten with sugar or honey to taste. 2. Mint Lemonade: Blend fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, sugar, and water in a blender until smooth. Serve over ice. 3. Mint Mojito: Muddle fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar in a glass. Add rum and ice, then top with club soda. 4. Tabbouleh Salad: Mix chopped fresh mint leaves, parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and bulgur wheat. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. 5. Mint Pesto: Blend fresh mint leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Serve over pasta or as a dip. 6. Watermelon and Mint Salad: Mix cubed watermelon, fresh mint leaves, feta cheese, and balsamic vinegar. Chill in the fridge before serving. 7. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Blend fresh mint leaves, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a blender. Add chocolate chips and freeze in an ice cream maker. 8. Mint Chocolate Truffles: Mix melted chocolate, heavy cream, and chopped fresh mint leaves. Roll into balls and chill in the fridge before serving. 9. Mint Brownies: Mix brownie batter according to package directions, then add chopped fresh mint leaves. Bake as directed. 10. Mint Julep Cupcakes: Mix white cake mix with chopped fresh mint leaves and bourbon. Bake as directed, then top with whipped cream and a fresh mint leaf.

Notes

- You can substitute other herbs like basil or cilantro for the mint in some of these recipes. - Adjust the amount of mint to your taste preference. - Use fresh mint leaves rather than dried for the best flavor.

Nutrition Info

The nutritional information for these recipes varies, but they all contain fresh mint, which is a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Recipes FAQ

Q: Can I use dried mint instead of fresh? A: Fresh mint is recommended for these recipes, but you can use dried if that's all you have. Keep in mind that dried mint has a stronger flavor than fresh. Q: Can I use other types of mint? A: Yes, you can use other varieties of mint like spearmint or peppermint. Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time? A: Some of these recipes can be made ahead of time, but others are best served fresh.

Recipe Tips

- To keep fresh mint leaves from wilting, store them in a glass of water in the fridge. - Use a mortar and pestle to muddle mint leaves for cocktails for a more intense flavor. - Use mint leaves as a garnish for a pop of color and flavor.