Recipe from Through Her Looking Glass
In past years, I haven’t had a whole lot of luck growing mint, but this year it’s taken off and is totally taking over my little garden! People have told me it will take over if you plant it in your garden, but I never quite believed them until now. It’s HUGE! I’ve been using it in salads and mojitos a lot, but I don’t seem to be able to make even a small dent in the mint supply.
I recently ran across this recipe for DIY mint extract recently and it spoke to me. What an awesome idea … and a great use for the mint that is overtaking my garden! I should have thought of this … all it takes is three ingredients:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Vodka
- Time
It takes very little effort to make this and if you start it now, it will be ready in plenty of time for holiday treats. I know it’s July and I’m really enjoying the summer, but this has me thinking ahead to Christmas-time when I love to make all things mint … I use LOTS of mint extract and it’s so expensive for a teeny little bottle. Why didn’t I think to do this before? I can use it in my Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies …
And Candy Cane Crush fudge …
Of course I always have to make a Chocolate Peppermint Fudge too!
Oh and peppermint ice cream!
Peppermint and chocolate drizzled over popcorn is delightful …
Or how about some Mint Chocolate Mocha Fudge Cookies?
and a Girl Scout Cookie fave, made gluten free! Gluten Free Thin Mints:
And if I have any mint extract left over after I get done making all my mint treats, then maybe, just maybe, I’ll give some away for gifts. What foodie wouldn’t love finding a little bottle of homemade mint extract in their stocking? (I have lots of foodies on my Christmas list … it’s good to be prepared! Maybe I better start another jar of mint extract.)
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Homemade Mint Extract
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: As much extract as the vodka used
Ingredients
- Fresh, clean mint leaves
- Vodka
Instructions
- Fill a pint or quart jar with fresh mint leaves. (I used a quart jar.) Crush the leaves a bit with a spoon, then pour the vodka over them, completely covering all the leaves.
- Put the jar in a dark place and let steep for 1 – 2 months. Strain out the leaves and pour into small bottles.
- Use in recipes that call for mint extract.
Notes
RECIPE SOURCE: http://www.sumptuousspoonfuls.com/
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This recipe was shared at Tuesday’s Table.
