A couple years ago I started a little fresh herb garden in my backyard, and mint is one of the things I produce the most of. My fridge is always stocked with mint, and I’ve found countless ways to use it when I cook. One of my favorite things about mint in particular is that it’s so versatile and easy to use for both savory and sweet dishes. A few weeks ago my sister recommended I try making candied mint, so to Pinterest I went! I found quite a few recipes, all varying slightly in the drying method/time for the leaves, so I just picked the first one I saw and went for it.
Ingredients are super simple. All you need is:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 bunch mint leaves
- ½ cup confectioners (superfine) sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
- Pick out your largest mint leaves and lay them on a parchment lined baking sheet, making sure none are touching (so they don’t stick together when dry).
- Beat or whisk the eggs (and lime juice if you’re using it) until frothy and brush the egg onto both sides the leaves as thinly as possible.
- Coat both sides of the leaves with sugar.
- Bake at 175 degrees for 15 mins. Remove from oven and let rest overnight to finish drying.
My finished product was…well, not as pretty as my inspiration pictures. I think baking the leaves caused some of them to discolor and turn brown. They still tasted pretty yummy though, so I’d say it was a half-successful experiment.
There are quite a few other recipes that don’t call for any baking of the leaves, only air-drying, so I think I may give that a try next time.
Have you ever made candied mint? What’s the best recipe out there? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo,
Pretty Pacific 