Mint Idea’s you never thought of… But that are Oh So Good!!!

Today, I’ll be sharing half a dozen more ways that you can use up an abundance of mint

*Mint Sugar

Mint sugar can be used to sprinkle on cookies, muffins or sweet breads. You can use it to sweeten tea or roll green grapes in it, for an extra sweet snack. My favorite way though, is as a topping for buttery toast. It’s so yummy!

Blend 1/3 cup of sugar with around 1-2 tablespoons *(to taste) of Dried Spearmint or Peppermint, in a mini-food processor. Use right away, or for longer storage, spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet and let air dry overnight. Store in a small jar.

*Mint Tincture

This tincture can be used for upset stomach, motion sickness, and is reputed to be an excellent cure for the hiccups!

To make: Fill half of a 6-8 oz mason jar with mint leaves (tailor the mint amount to the jar size), then cover with an 80 proof or higher alcohol like vodka or brandy.

*If the lid is metallic, place a layer of plastic wrap between the jar and the lid, to prevent corrosion.

Cap and store in a cool, dark, place for 2 to 3 weeks before straining, shaking every day or two. Start with a dose of a few drops, increasing a bit, if needed. To treat my family, I mix with a spoonful of our own C & J Farms Cinnamon Infused Raw Honey. *(Cinnamon and Honey together are great for boosting the immune system!)

*Mint Vinegar

Mint vinegar is super easy to make and comes in quite handy! 

To make: Fill a jar half way with mint leaves and cover with vinegar.

Cover the jar with a layer of plastic wrap then cap. This will keep the vinegar from corroding the metal and ruining your mixture. Set aside for 3 to 4 weeks, shaking occasionally. It should smell nice and minty by then, if not though, steep a week or two longer. You can also remove the old leaves and add more fresh, for a stronger scent.

*If you’re just making for household use, you can use regular vinegar. If you have culinary plans for it, try white wine vinegar instead. You can also use apple cider vinegar, which is especially nice for a hair rinse.

For windows & counters: Mix one part vinegar with one part water and a pinch of cornstarch (optional). Shake well before using. You can also add mint vinegar to your mop water. For a frugal fabric softener, use 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load of laundry. Dilute with water to make a soothing rinse for an itchy dog.

*Mint Bath Salts

Bath salts make a quick & easy gift and are nice to use for ourselves too. This fun mint variation is especially helpful at relieving sore, tired muscles. 

*(Another sweet option for this recipe is to Substitute with our C & J Farms Lavender, great for Stress and Tension Relief.)

To make: Using 2-3 tablespoons of C & J Farms Peppermint, Mix 1 cup Epsom Salt. *I blend them together in the food processor to ensure that the pieces are small enough not to be a nuisance in the tub drain. Usually the scent of the dried herb/flower is enough to scent bath salts, but you can also add a few drops of peppermint essential oil, if you’d like a stronger scent. Store in a tightly capped jar. To use: Sprinkle in your bath, while the water is running. 

I hope that you enjoy these unique Recipes as much as me and my family do and Remember to send us your unique ideas, you never know, they may show up next on our Blog!