February 19th is Chocolate Mint Day!
There is little that beats the classic combination of chocolate and mint. From ice creams to cookies to candy bars, there are endless ways to enjoy this mixture. Few may know, but Chocolate Mint is actually a variety of mint - you can grow it yourself!
Chocolate Mint smells like a peppermint patty - cool, refreshing mint wrapped up in smooth chocolate. The mint family is full of fast-growing plants that love to spread out. Being a variety of mint, Chocolate Mint has a tendency to take over a growing space. Unless you have an isolated area or don't care if it creeps around your yard, try planting it in a pot to help contain it. Harvest it regularly by pinching off the tops of stocks - this will keep it growing! Use Chocolate Mint in tea (mint helps with digestion), try adding some sprigs while you eat fresh strawberries, or muddle it when you make your next mojito!
If you're not feeling like snacking on Chocolate Mint leaves this day of celebration, no worries! Here's a recipe for a sweet treat:
Low Calorie Chocolate Mint Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mint chocolate chips (or mint M&M's)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour through salt).
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well-combined. Add the flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time, and mix until combined. Fold in the mint chips.
- Drop the dough by teaspoon-fulls onto a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until no longer doughy. Cool completely on a wire rack. Makes 2 dozen.
Recipe courtesy of About.com
Images:
Chocolate Squares and MintChocolate Mint Plant
Chocolate Mint Cookies
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