National Chocolate Mint Day
A delightful blend of refreshing and rich, the combination of cool mint and smooth cocoa is a match made in dessert heaven.
Chocolate and mint, while it may seem like an unusual combination, has many benefits–not the least of which is its amazing taste! However, many health benefits are also known to come from joining these two tasty treats together.
Not only does chocolate help produce serotonin and dopamine, but the combination of that with mint also makes it an overall healthier candy. That’s because mint is a powerful and aromatic herb that aids in digestion and freshens the breath.
While it might be surprising that combining an herb that grows so prolifically, with the product of the cacao bean, is so yummy–somehow it just works. So, to celebrate this unique combination, today is National Chocolate Mint Day!
How to Celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day
Celebrating this day is a privilege that most people can really get behind and enjoy! Think about these suggestions for celebrating chocolate mint day, or come up with some other creative ideas:
Get Creative with Chocolate Mint Recipes
Chocolate Mint goodies don’t have to be confined to just those available at the store. Celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day by crafting a wide variety of recipes at home using fresh mint oil and gourmet cocoa powder.
Finding a recipe online and trying it out for yourself can be a fun experience overall. However, you can make this experience an even more fun one if you host a party and dedicate the entire day towards making mint chocolates.
In addition to just making chocolate mint candies, the combination of chocolate and mint can be used to upgrade a wide variety of sweet recipes, including cakes, cookies, brownies, and the highly favored mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Of course, if the timing is right, the world-famous Thin Mint Cookies offered by Girl Scouts are certainly a treat that can inspire or be added to tons of different yummy recipes.
Add Mint to Beverages
Start in the morning by asking the barista at a local coffee shop to create a luscious chocolate mint mocha in lieu of that typical morning cup-o-joe.
For an afternoon pick-me-up, try adding a bit of mint to a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Simply drop a red-and-white mint in the bottom and stir. This can also be a great way to use up some of those leftover peppermint candy canes from Christmas.
When evening comes around, it’s fun for adults to try a chocolate mint alcoholic concoction that will taste like drinking a dessert!
Sometimes called a Grasshopper, the drink recipe typically uses creme de menthe, creme de cacao and light cream.
Some recipes take advantage of Bailey’s Irish Cream and add whipped cream, just for fun. Of course, to top it off, this drink can be garnished with a fresh mint sprig, a peppermint candy, or a sprinkling of cocoa.
Taste Test Chocolate Mint Candies
If making and sharing mint chocolate delicacies seems like too much trouble, it’s easy to simply go out to a local grocery store and purchase some favorite brands of chocolate mint to enjoy in celebration.
Then, have a taste test to see which version is the best. In addition to York Peppermint Patties, consider these options:
- Aero (UK brand)
- After Eight Mints (UK Brand)
- Andes Chocolate Mints (American Brand)
- Junior Mints (American Brand)
- Lindt Mint Intense (Swiss Brand)
- M&Ms Mint (American Brand)
Celebrate at Work
An excellent idea to make your co-workers happy is to give out some York patties or other chocolate mint treats at your workplace, and tell people about why you love this day.
Those who are a little more adventurous can make their favorite mint chocolate brownies or other recipe and bring them to work to share. For an after work cocktail hour, consider trying out the Grasshopper recipes mentioned above.
History of National Chocolate Mint Day
The ancient Greeks and Romans valued mint for its ability to aid in digestion, freshen one’s breath, it’s ability to be used in many different kinds of foods. However, mint-flavored chocolates didn’t occur until the late 19th century when solid chocolate was being manufactured as candy.
Mint combined with chocolate didn’t truly become a popular concept until York Peppermint Patties came to life.
When Henry Kessler opened up the York Cone Company during the 1920s, the company manufactured and produced ice cream cones. The world still had to wait a couple of decades until York began to specialize in the mint concoction it is known for today,
It wasn’t until the 1940’s that the ultimate blend of mint and chocolate, the York Peppermint Patty, was created. Mint and chocolate had already existed during this time, but York’s development made the combination a classic–and a popular one at that!
Today, the York Cone Company is now owned by Hershey, and Hershey provides a wide variety of York peppermint patties, with options such as sugar-free, chocolate truffle mints, York peppermint bites, and all kinds of shapes for the various holidays throughout the year.
Even though York may have been the first to become popular for the mix of mint chocolates, others weren’t far behind. In fact, some sources reveal that Huyler’s in New York was one of the first candy companies to mass produce chocolate mint candies.
Now, the combination of mint and chocolate and mint has become a classic – National Chocolate Mint Day, sponsored by the US National Confectioners Association, is celebrated every year through various activities, mostly with people buying their favorite brand mint chocolate and eating to their heart’s delight.
National Chocolate Mint Day FAQs
How did the combination of chocolate and mint become popular?
The pairing gained traction in the 1940s with the invention of the York Peppermint Pattie.
Henry Kessler’s York Cone Company created the treat, featuring a crisp mint center and dark chocolate coating.
Its refreshing taste and texture quickly captured public attention and led to the flavor’s rise in desserts.
Are there any traditional myths or legends associated with mint?
In Greek mythology, the nymph Minthe was transformed into the mint plant by Persephone, queen of the underworld.
This story symbolizes the plant’s renewal and its aromatic qualities. In some cultures, mint is also associated with protection and vitality, adding a sense of magic to its culinary uses.
How do different cultures incorporate chocolate and mint into their cuisines?
The Middle East pairs fresh mint tea with rich chocolate pastries, creating a balanced sweet and aromatic treat.
Italy features mint-flavored gelato with chocolate chips, while in Latin America, mint is used to infuse chocolate drinks. Each culture adapts this combination to their tastes.
Is there a plant that naturally combines chocolate and mint flavors?
Yes! The ‘Chocolate Mint’ plant is a variety of peppermint with a natural chocolatey aroma.
It’s a favorite in herbal teas, desserts, and even cocktails. Growing this plant at home lets you enjoy the fragrance and flavor in fresh recipes.
How did mint chocolate chip ice cream come into existence?
In 1973, Marilyn Ricketts, a culinary student, created the flavor for Princess Anne’s wedding dessert competition.
Its cool mint base and chocolate flecks quickly became a hit, finding a permanent place in ice cream shops worldwide.
What are some unique ways to celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day?
Beyond eating treats, you can craft chocolate mint candles or soaps.
Host a chocolate mint-themed dinner with dishes like mint-infused chocolate mole or minty desserts. These activities add a creative spin to the celebration.
What are some lesser-known chocolate mint products available globally?
In Japan, mint chocolate ‘Pocky’ offers a playful twist on this classic pairing. Australians enjoy ‘Tim Tam Mint Slices,’ a biscuit with a minty cream filling. These products highlight the flavor’s versatility across borders.
How has the chocolate mint flavor influenced popular culture?
The Girl Scouts’ ‘Thin Mints,’ launched in 1951, have become their top-selling cookie.
Their success boosted the flavor’s recognition in American desserts, influencing its popularity in everything from milkshakes to ice cream.
Are there any fun myths or misconceptions about chocolate and mint?
Some believe chocolate mint is a naturally occurring hybrid of cocoa and mint plants, but that’s a myth.
The “chocolate mint” plant is actually a variety of peppermint with a chocolate-like aroma, not related to cacao.
This misconception has inspired humorous speculation about chocolate-flavored forests!
What unusual chocolate mint recipes exist worldwide?
In India, some chefs add mint-infused chocolate to savory curries for a unique twist.
Meanwhile, in Mexico, mint and chocolate are paired in mole sauce to enhance its complexity. These unexpected uses show the versatility of this iconic duo.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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