Herb: Mint

Laura Mathis

Laura Mathis

Cupcakes topped with chocolate decorated with a sprig of mint.

Try Mrs. Laura’s Herbal Shortbread! Old fashioned shortbread in unique herbal flavors. Made with: Non-GMO flour, real butter, pure flavorings, and dried herbs. For more information: www.herbalaccents.net or call at (336) 998-1315.

Mentha (also known as mint, from the greek word míntha), is probably one of the most well known herbs around. There are over a dozen different species of mint ranging from apple mint, horse mint, orange mint, and wild mint to the more common varieties such as peppermint, spearmint, and one of my favorites, chocolate mint. Mint is a popular herb due to it's fragrant leaves, wonderful flavor, and the variety of uses. They are used for flavoring candies and other sweets, dried for herbal teas and also used in making menthol rubs among other things. Mints are easy to grow and most are perennial. They take full to part sun and are drought tolerant, so little water is needed. Some people stay clear of mint when planting their gardens due to it's reputation for “taking over”, but this can be remedied if you simply grow your mint in pots and don't allow seeds to drop where you do not want the herb to spread. Mint has a wide growing root system that spreads very fast and will quickly take over an area. By planting them in pots, you are able to keep the roots at bay and not only is this helpful with keeping the mints from growing into other plants, it also helps to keep different varieties of mint separated.

There are other species of mint that you may not think of as a common mint such as pennyroyal, catmint or catnip. Pennyroyal, sometimes known as misquote plant, has leaves that are especially noted for repelling insects. I love to have it handy in the garden for those late summer afternoons I find myself trying to finish up projects in the garden and the mosquitoes are being a nuisance. I just simply pick some leaves and rub them on my skin. The plant itself is quite mild and safe to use topically or as a tea, but pennyroyal essential oil should never be taken internally because it is highly toxic. Cat mint and catnip have long been favorites for cats and though the two are related, they are not the same. Cats are attracted to both plants, but their response tends to be more intense to catnip. The chemical in the plant tends to makes some cats become more playful and energized, for others, they become more relaxed. Though cat mint and catnip are enjoyed by cats, they are also used for culinary and medicinal purposes just as other mints.

The medicinal uses for mint are endless, but I think one of the most popular uses for mint (outside of freshening breath) is for relief of stomach upset. Peppermint oil has been proven to aid in alleviating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), stomach cramping, gas and indigestion. Wild mint was often collected in colonial times and for culinary and medicinal uses. I once read were peppermint leaves had even been found in several Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1,000 BC. To use peppermint to soothe stomach issues, drink a cup of peppermint tea or simply keep a canister of Peppermint Altoids candies handy. (Notice the ingredients contain “oil of Peppermint” not found in most peppermint candies.)

An easy way to jazz up your favorite shortbread or sugar cookie is to melt chocolate chips, either in the microwave or over the stove using a double boiler, then adding Pure Peppermint Extract. Start with 1⁄2 teaspoon extract per 1 cup of chocolate chips until you reach your desired flavor. Stir until creamy then while chocolate is still warm, spread over your cookie. Enjoy!

Jim Collins

Jim lives in WinstonSalem. He is a great cook who knows Yadkin Valley Wines and, his way around a kitchen! Bourbon Pecan and Coconut Pies

Yummy! Yummy! That is all I can say about these two pies and they are real easy to make. The shot of bourbon in the pecan pie enhances the aroma and puts the taste over the top. And if no one is looking, you can take a shot for yourself. I won’t tell. The coconut pie reminds me of egg custard with some coconut thrown on top. I’m a pushover when it comes to egg custard and with the coconut, I’ve taken a trip to heaven. Have fun making these pies and enjoy.

Coconut Pie 2 cups milk 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup Bisquick 4 eggs (room temperature) 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup flake coconut

Combine all ingredients except the flake coconut in a blender container. Cover and blend on low speed for 3 minutes. Pour into a greased 9-inch pie pan. Let stand for 5 minutes. Sprinkle flake coconut on top Bake in a 350ºF. in a pre-heated oven for 40 minutes. Let stand for 2 hours or until room temperature and then serve.

Bourbon Pecan Pie 5 Tablespoons butter (room temperature) 1/4 cup sugar Pinch of salt 3 eggs (room temperature) 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1/2 cup light Karo syrup 1/2 cup dark Karo syrup 1 cup pecan halves 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1 ounce bourbon 1 unbaked pie crust

Preheat oven to 325ºF. Mix all ingredients by hand instead of using a mixer). Pour into an uncooked pie crust and bake a 325ºF. for 50 to 60 minutes or until done.

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Honda of Winston-Salem

6209 Ramada Dr. • Clemmons, NC 27012 (336) 765-0330 • www.hondaws.com