Peppermint....hmmmmm... the yummy flavour of peppermint is evident from the first whiff that you get of chocolates, candies, teas and other confectionaries that are made with it!

Did you know that ancient Romans and Greeks loved to crown themselves with peppermint leaves and flowers? Their cooks used to flavour many things from sauces to wines with peppermint. Interesting right?

Peppermint is high in natural menthol content, especially methyl acetate, and that is the reason for the lovely flavour it adds. Peppermint has been used since age old times to give the mint flavour in confectionaries. A wide variety of eatables such as candies, chewing gums, ice creams, tea and even toothpaste are flavoured with peppermint. In fact, peppermint flowers are preferred by honey bees also. A mildly flavoured honey is also extracted from peppermint flower ranches.

The wonderful smell and aroma of peppermint even goes in its use in shampoos, sprays, deodorants, soaps and skin care products.

Now, we are going to show you few awesome recipes that you can make at home with peppermint!

1. Peppermint patties

Peppermint patties are easy to make and a wonderful get away if you are looking for a light dessert. Take a mixer and blend one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of corn syrup and one and half tablespoons of water. Add one teaspoon of peppermint extract and one tablespoon of vegetable shortening and blend bit by adding by adding up to one and half more cups of powdered sugar in installments.

Now the dough for making the patties is ready. You can roll them into small one inch balls and tap them into patties that are around half an inch thick. Place them in a waxed paper and freeze them for about four hours.

In a separate container melt chocolate and create thick chocolate syrup using almond bark or candy melts. Take the peppermint patties and dip the lower side in the chocolate and lift with a fork. With a spoon, pour chocolate syrup on the top portion and allow for the excess syrup to drain.

Place the chocolate covered peppermint patties in another waxed butter paper and allow to set for couple of hours. Store in a cool and dry place. The best part is that they do not have to be refrigerated and will still last up to two weeks.

2. Milky mint fudge

As interesting as it sounds, the milky mint fudge is for those who like to eat something that is creamy and preferably contains milk!

To begin with, line a square shaped tray with foil and line the inner side of the foil with a little bit of butter and set aside. In a glass bowl take three and quarter cups of white chocolate chips and add two tablespoons of butter and microwave in high for a minute. Open and stir well and microwave for another minute while mixing well to prevent lump formation. To this, add a can of sweetened condensed milk and three teaspoons of peppermint extract and mix well. Allow it to cool and then add half a cup of dark chocolate chips and press. Now press the fudge into the foiled tray and spray some more broken mint and chocolate chip pieces and press to set. Refrigerate for about two hours allowing the fudge to set and then cut into squares. Remember to store in an airtight container.

Once you eat it, you might actually forget about ice creams for some time!

3. Peppermint biscotti

This is a recipe that is sure to woo all children. Take three fourths cup of softened butter and equal proportion of sugar powder in a bowl and beat well to form a cream. Add three large eggs one by one, beating simultaneously to lather the extract. To this, add three and quarter cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder and quarter teaspoon of salt and add one cup of crushed pepper candies, two teaspoons of peppermint syrup and continue to beat. Add the dough to the cream mixture in small portions and continue to blend.         

Place the dough in a greased baking pan and bake at three hundred and fifty degrees Celsius for about thirty minutes. Allow it cool for fifteen minutes, remove the dough and cut into small pieces diagonally and bake again for about fifteen minute to make it firm.

In order to prepare the frosting, melt two cups of chocolate chips and two tablespoons of shortening in a microwave bowl and dip one end of the biscotti in it. After allowing the excess chocolate to drip off, roll the biscoti on crushed peppermint candy.

4. Peppermint cooler

This is a fun and easy to make peppermint cooler that is loved by all especially in the summer season.

For this, take a lemon and squeeze it into a bowl. To this, squeeze one orange. Add one tablespoon of sugar, one teaspoon of organic honey and one tablespoon of peppermint essence of peppermint squash made by grinding peppermint leaves or powder. Stir well and add half a cup of chilled water and three ice cubes. Enjoy the fresh smell and cooling effect!

5. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is the classic recipe that helps to extract all the health benefits of peppermint. This is the easiest to make and can be had every day after meals. For this, boil one cup of water well. To this, add eight to ten fresh peppermint leaves and allow it to brew. Strain the mixture and add two tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of organic honey.

Is your mouth watering already? Wait till you try these recipes at home!

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