Peppermint, C/S, Organic

(Mentha piperita) Native to Europe, this perennial herb can now be found all over the world. This is a wonderful tasting herb and a very beneficial one too. Peppermint is also found in many culinary and cosmetic recipes. It is an essential ingredient in tea and herbal blends. Brew 1 Tsp. in 1 cup of water at 212º - steep for 5 minutes. Mint Tea Cookies dipped in bittersweet chocolate Recipe from Tea Essence of the Leaf by Slavin and Petzke 2 tsp brown sugar ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature ¼ cup sugar 1 large egg 1 egg yolk 1 tsp lemon juice 1 ½ tsp peppermint (or spearmint), ground to a fine leaf 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate Combine the sugars and butter, beating until light and fluffy. Add the egg and egg yolk, lemon juice and tea leaves. Beat until mixed in. Add the flour, beating until just blended. Gather dough into a ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for a half hour. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly dust rolling surface. Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thick. With a cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter), cut small circles, placing on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for about 10 minutes or until cookies begin to turn golden on the edges. When the cookies are done, melt the chocolate in a double boiler (or in a microwave for 3 minutes on defrost setting). Dip each cooled, cookie into the chocolate. Place dipped cookies on waxed paper to harden chocolate. Makes about 2 dozen cookies. Mint Body Lotion Recipe from Natural Beauty at Home by Janice Cox ½ cup mint water (make by boiling ¼ cup dried peppermint in 1 cup of water. Let the mixture cool and strain the mint.) 1/8 tsp borax powder ½ cup sunflower oil 1 tsp coconut oil 1 tsp grated beeswax 3-4 drops peppermint essential oil (optional) Mix together the mint water and the borax, stirring until well mixed. Set aside. Mix together the sunflower oil, coconut oil and beeswax in a glass measuring cup. Place the cup with the oils-beeswax mixture in a pan of water (about 1 to 2 inches of water), making a water bath. Heat over medium heat until the beeswax is melted (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally. When the wax is melted, bring the mint solution almost to boiling (put the glass cup with the mint water/borax in the microwave on High for 1 minute, or use a water bath on the stove top). Remove the oils-beeswax mixture from the water bath. Slowly add mint water/borax to the mixture, stirring briskly. (you can also put the mixture in the blender and whip.) Allow the lotion to cool completely. The consistency may seem a bit thin, but it will thicken as it cools. The lotion will be pale green in color. You may add the peppermint oil now if you wish. Pour the lotion into a clean container with a lid. To use, massage a small amount into your skin. Please Note: The information given here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.