February 19, 2015 – NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY

                                 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY

Recognized by the US National Confectioners Association,  National Chocolate Mint Day is celebrated annually by thousands of people, across the nation, on February 19th.  This  holiday has been set aside for all the chocolate mint lovers to eat their favorite treats all day long.
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate is combined with either peppermint, spearmint or creme de menthe to make delicious chocolate mint.
Chocolate mint options are available in ice creams, brownies, cookies, cheesecakes, fudge, candies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, cocktails and much more.   It is also marketed in a non-edible form as  beauty product.s, air fresheners and etc.
The International Dairy Foods Association states that mint chocolate chip is the 10th most popular flavor of ice cream.

** Chocolate mint is also a type of herb.  This herb is part of the spearmint family with edible leaves that taste like chocolate and mint.

** Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies first sold in 1953 – they account for over 25% of the annual Girl Scout cookie sales. **
Below is a favorite frosting recipe for chocolate cake.  It looks great decorated with chocolate mint candies……Perfect to celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day!
Mint Frosting for Chocolate Cake
1 package  cream cheese (8 0z), softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon mint extract                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Green food coloring
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in mint extract, 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring and 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar until mixed –  beat on medium speed until fluffy. Store frosted cake in refrigerator.
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Following are some other “tried and true” chocolate mint recipes for you:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/layered-mint-chocolate-fudge/
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chocolate-mint-brownies/39ae52eb-e13f-407c-aeda-6e234de14751
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/mint-chocolate-chip-cookies/22bebeda-ea36-441a-9909-ae78409d6da6
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-mint-pie/
And, for those who are thirsty:    http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink2861.html
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY HISTORY