Mint, the overlooked weed.

Mint propagates itself very easily. We got our mint plant by pulling a stem with a little root attached off of a plant growing in our alley. We planted it in our garden, and have divided it twice already. The tendency of the roots is to thatch underground until it has spread itself throughout the garden, prompting many to not even attempt to grow it at all. I think we should be welcoming it, it is one of the earlier things we can harvest through the year, and we can harvest it numerous times in a season. In fact, continual harvesting may be the best way to keep its growth in check, making the task of weeding into a task of harvesting.

Mint is delicious dried as a tea, but lately I have preferred it as a seasoning or even a vegetable. Try these three recipes, and tell me if you don't agree.

Strawberry Mint Smoothie
A power boost to any morning

2-3cups strawberries

1/2cup chopped mint

2 cups water or ice

1/4 cup honey

Juice from half a Lime

Blend together and enjoy immediately, garnish with a mint leaf.

Pasta with Mint, Peas and Pecorino 
Cheese
This is simply an amazing pasta to have for a sunday lunch in the spring

Pasta
Fresh green peas or Fava beans
Mint, chopped
Pecorino Cheese, grated
butter
Freshly grated pepper

For one serving, boil pasta in salted water.
In a small sauce pan, sautee 1/2c fresh peas or beans in 1 tsp butter until bright green

Drain the pasta, toss in the mint, cheese and pepper.
Top with the peas/beans and butter
Adjust amounts to serve more than just you.


Nettle Mint Phyllo Pies
Adapted from a recipe that appeared in Edible Vancouver, Mint and Nettle make a harmonious combination, however kale, spinach, collards or chard could replace the Nettle. Nothing, can replace the mint though.

2cups chopped blanched Nettles
1cup chopped mint
1 white onion diced
1/4 c feta crumbled
Phyllo pastry.
Olive oil

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a bowl, set aside. Find your happy place, then gently start to pry apart the Phyllo, oiling it as you go. Once you free up a sheet, place about 2tbs of filling onto one corner, and wrap and fold it until you have a triangle pocket. Google it if you don't find this too clear. Brush oil on each side and bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven (that is Fahrenheit)

Enjoy!