Mint leaves can be a tasty treat or garnish if you sugar them. It is actually very easy!
I suggest fresh mint for this - fresh picked is better than store or farmers market bought. Dried will not work at all.
Wash the mint and pick the nice, large leaves off the stalk. Wax paper will be handy for the rest of the technique.
This is not a Vegan recipie. You will need some egg whites and water to make what is called a 'wash'. A small paint brush(with bristles, not sponge) will also be useful.
Use super fine sugar(crush or blend some regular sugar if you can't find premade). there are several wyas of using the sugar. Put it in a shallow container big enough to put your hand into. Use a shaker or tea strainer with the sugar in it.
A pair of foodsevice gloves will help keep the goopiness down, but if you do not have those, make sure your hands are clean and dry before you start. Chopsticks, if you know how to use them, or a set of tongs may also help.
Mix equal amounts of egg white and water in a small container. 'Paint' on the egg wash on the top of the leaf, or dip the leaves if you do not have a brush. The egg will be what the sugar attatches to. Dredge in the container, sprinkle or shake the sugar over the wet leaves. Place the leaves on a flat surface to dry - the wax paper is exelent for that.
Do not heat the leaves over about 110 degrees F (a really hot day!) while drying or else you will get cooked egg taste and possibly carmilize the sugar. That is a different recipie.
In a day or so, check the dryness. the leves should still be flexible, but the sugar and egg should be dried. It can now be used as a garnish, breath freshener or outright snack.
After drying for a week, if there are any left, put into a jar in your refrigerator.
Yum!
other Crafty Recipes