Traditional Candied Mint Leaves Recipes

CANDIED MINT LEAVES

Steps:

• Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add Confectioners Sugar, heating well (mixture will be dry and crumbly).
• Add peppermint extract and mix well. Divide and color ball of mixture with green food coloring. (Candy may be bagged in plastic and held at room temperature for several days at this point, if desired).
• If mixture becomes sticky as it stands, knead in more confectioners sugar until candy is smooth and pliable.
• Pinch off a small piece of candy and roll into a ball. Roll ball in sugar and press, one at a time into plastic mold. Immediately turn mold over onto waxed or parchment paper and release candy leaves. Allow to dry, uncovered, overnight.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

CRYSTALLIZED MINT LEAVES

Steps:

• In a small bowl stir together egg white or reconstituted dried whites and water and brush onto leaves to lightly coat both sides. In a bowl toss leaves with sugar and transfer to a rack. Let leaves stand about 6 hours, or until dry. Leaves may be made 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.