Recipes From My Mint Garden

A wealth of Recipes From My Fresh Mint Garden To You, incorporating both sweet and savory, and let’s not overlook beverages too!

Recipes From My Fresh Mint Garden To You!

A Remarkable Way To Enjoy Fresh Herbs – Cultivate Them!

Having been raised in a household that didn’t emphasize gardening, tending to plants wasn’t on my list of priorities as I transitioned into adulthood.

However, unexpectedly, upon purchasing my first home and navigating life as a single mother of four, the enthusiasm for cultivating plants compelled me!

With a small area of soil, teenagers and preteens, and a home-based hair salon, one might assume I’d lack time for yet another venture.

Surprisingly, it transformed into a delightful activity we all engaged in together, with the rewards being substantial then, and absolutely essential today.

Cooking At Home Offers A Fantastic Opportunity To Explore A New And Tasty Herb

During the 60s, the only time you’d encounter a mint leaf was in a glass of iced tea at a diner.

Goodness, how far we’ve progressed since those days!

Having roots in a Mediterranean heritage, a multitude of the delicious dishes I grew up enjoying and preparing were abundantly seasoned with fresh herbs.

The first instance I tasted a salad at a restaurant as a child, I was puzzled by what element was absent that set it apart from my mom’s salads.

What was the elusive ingredient?

It turned out to be mint; my mother had been finely chopping mint for all the salads we enjoyed since my early childhood.

As a result, it was, unknowingly, at that moment that I recognized there were numerous herbs I needed to master in cooking!

And learn… I have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7ufCJM3oTA[/embed>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Play In The Dirt – Garden To Table</figcaption></figure>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Let Me Expand Your Application Of Mint In Ways That Will Inspire You To Possibly Cultivate Your Own Mint, Even If It's As A Potted Plant By A Window!</h3>

A herb that essentially <a href="https://bonnieplants.com/blogs/how-to-grow/growing-mint" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">grows autonomously</a>, has been a vital component of cooking, home remedies, aromatherapy, and even insect deterrent—definitely merits our focus!

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Diverse Varieties Of Mint</h2>

The initial herbs I sowed long ago, were likely a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mint-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mint plant</a>, simply due to my fondness for utilizing fresh mint leaves in many of my culinary creations.<!– Ezoic – wp_long_content – long_content –><!– End Ezoic – wp_long_content – long_content –>

As I grew more skilled at cultivating herbs, I experimented with a few other varieties, including:<!– End Ezoic – gen_longer_content – longer_content –><!– Ezoic – gen_longer_content – longer_content –>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://gardenerspath.com/plants/herbs/grow-chocolate-mint/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Chocolate mint</a> – which didn't taste remotely like chocolate, and merely had brown-tipped leaves, reminiscent of how quickly basil browns after harvesting.</li>

<li><a href="https://www.spiceography.com/cooking-with-orange-mint/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Orange mint</a> – enjoyed its subtle citrus notes, yet still tasted like peppermint or spearmint.</li><!– Ezoic – wp_longer_content – longer_content –><!– End Ezoic – wp_longer_content – longer_content –>

<li><a href="https://homegardenjoy.com/site/2019/06/why-apple-mint-will-be-your-new-favorite-herb.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Apple mint</a> – also piqued my interest, I purchased the plant, snipped the leaves for a recipe, and never planted it because it tasted just like peppermint to me.</li>
</ul>

Thus… <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Peppermint</a> and <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/do-you-know-the-difference-between-peppermint-and-spearmint/photostory/81124760.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">spearmint</a> are the only two mint varieties I cultivate consistently.

In fact, they propagate themselves, as I initially planted only a few, and now they have spread throughout my gardens, returning every year.<!– Ezoic – wp_longest_content – longest_content –><!– End Ezoic – wp_longest_content – longest_content –>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Gather And Dehydrate Mint For Year-Round Dishes</h2>

When mint starts to flourish, you unexpectedly find yourself with an abundance of mint without knowing how to utilize it.<!– End Ezoic – gen_longest_content – longest_content –><!– Ezoic – gen_longest_content – longest_content –>

What should you consider doing with it?

Dehydrate it!

The simplest method to achieve this is to harvest plenty of mint before it begins to flower (with tiny blooms on top).

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fresh Mint Cleaned And Dried With A Towel</figcaption></figure>

Rinse them, pat them dry, and lay the mint on a baking sheet to dry out at the lowest setting of your oven.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_5 – incontent_5 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_5 – incontent_5 –>

I typically set my oven to 175°F, place the mint inside for roughly 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and let it sit there for several hours.<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_5 – incontent_5 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_5 – incontent_5 –>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dried Garden Mint</figcaption></figure>

After drying, simply crumble the desiccated leaves into a fine mound of dark green, and store it in a glass container with a lid.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Once Mint Is Completely Dried – Store In Glass Containers</figcaption></figure>

And by all means, gather the leftover stems from the mint, and preserve them for grilling or winter fires.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_6 – incontent_6 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_6 – incontent_6 –>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bundle The Dried Mint Stems For The Grill Or Fireplace</figcaption></figure>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Delicious Mint Recipes From My Garden You'll Adore</h3>

Now that we've discussed the garden, let’s head to the kitchen and impress you with delightful recipes that feature mint.<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_6 – incontent_6 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_6 – incontent_6 –>

These recipes will range from steaming tea to refreshing cold soup.

I'll pause while you collect a handful of mint from your garden or possibly from a local farmers market.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_7 – incontent_7 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_7 – incontent_7 –>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Home Herb Garden Is Simple And So Rewarding</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cucumbers And Mint Are A Fantastic Starting Point</h2>

If you enjoy a refreshing cucumber salad, then on a scorching summer day, you’ll relish a fantastic cucumber salad referred to as Tzatziki.<!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_7 – incontent_7 –><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_7 – incontent_7 –>

Unlike a cucumber salad dressed with bottled dressing, tzatziki is prepared with thick plain yogurt (homemade yogurt from my kitchen), an abundance of mint, lemon juice, olive oil, red onion, and salt.

Generally, many people perceive tzatziki as one of the savory items, typically served as a side in a Greek eatery.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_8 – incontent_8 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_8 – incontent_8 –>

Nonetheless, a variant of it has been present in Arabic cuisine for just as long, utilizing Labneh (a thick yogurt cheese), and often presented atop meat dishes.<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_8 – incontent_8 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_8 – incontent_8 –>

For this reason, when I created Lamb Koftas on Guy’s Grocery Games with Food Network, I naturally prepared tzatziki to accompany it.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fresh Mint Garden Cucumber Salad</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Have You Ever Tried Cold Soup?</h2>

I have started growing the most adorable cucumbers I’ve ever encountered.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_9 – incontent_9 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_9 – incontent_9 –>

These cucumbers are known as heirloom lemon cucumbers as they resemble a lemon, yet only taste like cucumber.<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_9 – incontent_9 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_9 – incontent_9 –>

Due to their distinct size, shape, and color, I was inspired to prepare a Lemon Cucumber Cold Soup, with flavors reminiscent of tzatziki, and serve it in hollowed-out cucumber cups.

So enjoyable, so delicious!

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cold Greek Cucumber Soup with Fresh Mint and Dill Served In Lemon Cucumbers.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Simplistic Ingredients Create An Amazing Salad</h2>

During the depths of winter, what is the initial fruit that pops into your mind when you envision summer?<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_10 – incontent_10 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_10 – incontent_10 –>

Absolutely, watermelon! Alright, strawberries work well too!

A quick and straightforward Watermelon Salad, served on a bed of spinach or greens, topped with plenty of mint and feta cheese, is precisely the salad I crave.<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_10 – incontent_10 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_10 – incontent_10 –>

Do feel free to cut out star shapes from the watermelon and present this salad to kick off summer for Memorial Day, again for the Fourth of July, and to conclude the season with one more summer salad for Labor Day, all featuring star-shaped watermelon!

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Watermelon Mint and Feta Salad</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Do You Enjoy Mint Beverages?</h2>

Certainly, my initial and preferred taste with mint is the finest herbal infusion available, mint tea.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_11 – incontent_11 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_11 – incontent_11 –>

Using the container of dried mint leaves from our summer yield, a scoop of mint tea leaves is placed into a teapot filled with boiling water, and that's all it takes!<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_11 – incontent_11 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_11 – incontent_11 –>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mint Garden Dried Mint Tea</figcaption></figure>

Indeed… that is essentially what Moroccan mint tea is, steaming peppermint tea brewed from homegrown mint leaves.

Let’s not overlook how scrumptious a couple of Lemon Mint Scones would pair with this cup of mint tea!<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_12 – incontent_12 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_12 – incontent_12 –>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lemon Mint Scones Are Delightful With Mint Tea!</figcaption></figure>

But if you think that is a simple recipe, how about mint water during the scorching summer heat, Sparkling Mint Water!<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_12 – incontent_12 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_12 – incontent_12 –>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Revitalizing Sparkling Mint Water</figcaption></figure>

If Hot Chocolate with Mint is your preference, yes… we’ve got that, particularly during the festive season with a splash of peppermint vodka to elevate it a bit.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cocktail</figcaption></figure>

Nutritious recipes for cold and flu season, or merely a summer refreshment will invariably feature the timeless Mint Lemonade!<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_13 – incontent_13 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_13 – incontent_13 –>

Lemonade, as the health benefits are remarkable, especially if prepared with honey instead of sugar.<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_13 – incontent_13 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_13 – incontent_13 –>

And mint, because it is an exceptional complement to the lemonade (whether warm or cold), aiding in soothing an upset stomach.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ingredients For Homemade Lemonade With Mint</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What About A Few Boozy Mint Beverages!</h2>

For you southerners, naturally, there is the Classic Mint Julep recipe offered at every Kentucky Derby.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_14 – incontent_14 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_14 – incontent_14 –>

Yet, for an all-encompassing delightful boozy mint cocktail (also prepared as a mocktail), who wouldn’t relish a Mint Watermelon Cocktail!<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_14 – incontent_14 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_14 – incontent_14 –>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Watermelon Mint Cocktail or Mocktail</figcaption></figure>

This mint watermelon drink is so appetizing that I prepared it on The Great American Recipe with PBS to accompany Chicken and Waffles for the challenge of 'A Portable Meal'!

And while you might be anticipating a mojito recipe from me, I’m going to offer you something even better.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_15 – incontent_15 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_15 – incontent_15 –>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chocolate Mint Mojito Mousse?</h2>

There’s lime juice, and then there’s Finger Lime Caviar Juice!<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_15 – incontent_15 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_15 – incontent_15 –>

Oh indeed, this is a completely new recipe I’ve just devised that is bound to amaze you.

All you need to do is locate some finger limes for my Citriburst Finger Lime Mojito Mousse.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_16 – incontent_16 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_16 – incontent_16 –>

With all the tastes of mint chocolate ice cream and the elegance of an English trifle, a simple mint syrup is whisked into yogurt, with agar agar as the thickener, and layered with crushed chocolate cookies.<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_16 – incontent_16 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_16 – incontent_16 –>

You’re welcome!

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Finger Lime Chocolate Mint Mojito Mousse</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Enjoys A Delicious Pesto?</h2>

Certainly, we typically consider basil when it comes to pesto, but let me entice you with a Pea Mint Pesto.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Garden Peas and Mint Pesto</figcaption></figure>

Ideal for filling a tart cup, with a roasted shrimp sitting in the center, which you’ll relish with my Pea Pesto Wonton Cups including pea shoots.<!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_17 – incontent_17 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_17 – incontent_17 –>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shrimp and Minted Pea Pesto In Wonton Cups</figcaption></figure>

This same pea mint pesto is fantastic as a robust ‘schmear’ on a white plate topped with seared scallops; Seared Scallops Over Mint Pea Pesto.<!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_17 – incontent_17 –><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_17 – incontent_17 –>

Mint Is An Exceptional Herb That Nearly Grows By Itself, So Do Take Into Account A Container Or Garden Bed For Mint As One Of Numerous Fresh Ingredients You Adore To Prepare With, As You Will Consistently Discover From My Fresh Mint Garden!

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U7G6f1I4hY[/embed>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dirt To Dish Cookbook</figcaption></figure>

<div id="recipe-49320-equipment" class="wprm-recipe-equipment-container wprm-block-text-normal" data-recipe="49320"><ul class="wprm-recipe-equipment wprm-recipe-equipment-list"><li class="wprm-recipe-equipment-item" style="list-style-type: disc;">Baking sheet</li><li class="wprm-recipe-equipment-item" style="list-style-type: disc;">Parchment paper</li><li class="wprm-recipe-equipment-item" style="list-style-type: disc;">16 oz Glass jar with cover</li><li class="wprm-recipe-equipment-item" style="list-style-type: disc;">12 inches Twine</li></ul></div>
<div id="recipe-49320-ingredients" class="wprm-recipe-ingredients-container wprm-recipe-ingredients-no-images wprm-recipe-49320-ingredients-container wprm-block-text-normal wprm-ingredient-style-regular wprm-recipe-images-before" data-recipe="49320" data-servings="16"><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-group"><ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients"><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="0">8 cups Fresh mint stems and leaves</li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="1">6 cups Water</li></ul></div></div>
<div id="recipe-49320-instructions" class="wprm-recipe-instructions-container wprm-recipe-49320-instructions-container wprm-block-text-normal" data-recipe="49320"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-group"><ul class="wprm-recipe-instructions"><li id="wprm-recipe-49320-step-0-0" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;">Collecting the mint with the longest stems feasible, without uprooting the roots, provides abundant flavor for both cooking and infusing taste while grilling by utilizing the stalks in the fire after removing the leaves. </li><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_18 – incontent_18 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_18 – incontent_18 –><li id="wprm-recipe-49320-step-0-1" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;">Submerge the mint in water and rinse it multiple times. There is frequently sand and dirt on the mint. </li><li id="wprm-recipe-49320-step-0-2" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;">Spread the cleaned mint on towels to absorb the moisture. </li><li id="wprm-recipe-49320-step-0-3" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="margin-bottom: 5px;">Preheat the oven to 175. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a large baking sheet, or use two if necessary. </div></li><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_19 – incontent_19 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_19 – incontent_19 –><li id="wprm-recipe-49320-step-0-4" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="margin-bottom: 5px;">Distribute the mint across the prepped baking sheets. Insert into the oven for 10 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the mint sit inside for several hours.</div></li><li id="wprm-recipe-49320-step-0-5" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;">Take the mint out of the oven and leave it out overnight. </li><li id="wprm-recipe-49320-step-0-6" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="margin-bottom: 5px;">The mint should now be dehydrated and crisp enough to remove all the leaves from the stalks. Crush the dried leaves by hand. </div></li><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_20 – incontent_20 –><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_20 – incontent_20 –><li id="wprm-recipe-49320-step-0-7" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;">Store in a glass jar with a lid.</li><li id="wprm-recipe-49320-step-0-8" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;">Collect the stalks that have had their leaves removed, and wrap twine around them to use on the grill for flavoring while cooking or in the fireplace for aromatic purposes. </li></ul></div></div>

<div id="wprm-recipe-video-container-49320" class="wprm-recipe-video-container">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8kJKSzMGOg

Dried mint can be preserved for a year, once properly dehydrated.
If the mint isn’t dried sufficiently to feel crisp and crunchy, allow it to keep drying fully; otherwise, any remaining moisture in the leaves will develop mold in the glass jar and spread to the other leaves.

bojboc.com

Recipes From My Mint Garden

A Remarkable Way To Enjoy Fresh Herbs – Cultivate Them!

Cooking At Home Offers A Fantastic Opportunity To Explore A New And Tasty Herb

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