Among all natural herbs and spices, mint has the highest antioxidant content. Considered to be one of the world's healthiest foods, it is a rich source of Vitamins A and C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Mint is also known to be effective in alleviating common cold, allergies, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and many more.
Here are 4 scrumptious mint treat recipes you can try for an instant refreshing feeling:
1. Strawberry Mint Combo
What you need:
6 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped plus 4 leaves for garnish
2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup whipped cream
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
In a medium bowl, combine mint and strawberries. Set aside. In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat then allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes until mixture starts to thicken. Drizzle the syrup on top of the mint and strawberries then toss gently. Divide among 4 serving bowls, top with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf.
2. Cream Cheese Mint Delight
What you need:
3 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 cup cream cheese
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1 teaspoon yellow food coloring
Combine confectioner's sugar and cream cheese in a medium bowl then mix until smooth. Add peppermint extract and food coloring to the mixture until well combined. Roll the mixture on a flat surface then cut using cookie cutters. Allow to air dry for at least 2 hours then refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
3. Melon Mint Trio
What you need:
1 cup cubed cantaloupe
1 cup cubed Crenshaw melon
1 cup cubed honeydew melon
1/4 cup dry sherry
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves plus 4-5 pcs. leaves for garnish
Toss cantaloupe, Crenshaw melon, honeydew melon, dry sherry and chopped mint leaves in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. When ready, scoop into glasses then garnish with mint leaves.
4. Yummy Mint Chocolate Bites
What you need:
2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup non-fat milk powder
2 1/4 cups peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, wheat flour, cocoa powder, milk, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar and egg, peppermint and vanilla extracts. Carefully stir in the contents of the other bowl as well as the chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls in greased cookie sheets and bake in a pre-heated oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
