Experiment and get creative with mint in your culinary endeavors. Its cool and refreshing flavor can add a delightful twist to many dishes and beverages.
Hurray for mint - that wonderful herb that keeps on giving! It is the epitome of summer - fresh and clean tasting and a wonderful addition to many recipes. Here are ideas for using mint straight from your garden:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Dogs can safely eat one or two fresh, plain mint leaves per day. However, feeding your dog mint leaves in excess may upset their digestive system. Stick to serving them a few small bites of mint occasionally, rather than regularly, and never use Pennyroyal, which is a kind of mint that is toxic for humans and dogs alike. Read more here.
Here's an article with even more creative uses for mint (i.e. mint vinegar, mint soap, mint tincture for what ails you, cucumber mint bath soak and more)!
- Mint Salad Dressing: Blend fresh mint leaves with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt to create a unique and zesty dressing for salads. Recipes here and here.
- Minty Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate and mix in finely chopped mint leaves. Pour the mixture into molds or spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool. Enjoy your homemade mint chocolate treats. Recipe here.
- Minty Yogurt Dip: Mix finely chopped mint leaves with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Use it as a dip for veggies or as a sauce for grilled meats. Recipe here.
- Minty Frozen Dog Treats: This frozen dog treat has the added benefit of a fresh scent for you pup’s breath. Recipe here. See important note below.
- Mint Sugar Scrub: Combine finely chopped mint leaves with sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil to create a homemade exfoliating scrub for your skin. Recipe here.
- Minty Cocktails: Use mint leaves as a garnish or muddle them with other ingredients to create refreshing cocktails like mojitos or mint juleps. Recipe here. Add alcohol as you wish.
- Mint Pesto: Prepare a traditional pesto sauce by replacing or adding mint leaves to the basil. Use it as a sauce for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Recipe here.
- Mint Tea: Steep fresh mint leaves in hot water for a soothing and aromatic herbal tea. You can also add a touch of honey or lemon for extra flavor.
- Mint Ice Cubes: Place fresh mint leaves in an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. These mint-infused ice cubes can be used to add a refreshing twist to your drinks.
- Minty Fruit Salad: Toss together a variety of fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple with freshly chopped mint leaves for a refreshing and vibrant fruit salad. Recipe here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Dogs can safely eat one or two fresh, plain mint leaves per day. However, feeding your dog mint leaves in excess may upset their digestive system. Stick to serving them a few small bites of mint occasionally, rather than regularly, and never use Pennyroyal, which is a kind of mint that is toxic for humans and dogs alike. Read more here.
Here's an article with even more creative uses for mint (i.e. mint vinegar, mint soap, mint tincture for what ails you, cucumber mint bath soak and more)!
Free Resource: Here's a helpful mint reference printout with tips on using mint, its benefits, how to harvest and preserve, plus uses. Credit: The Nerdy Farmwife