When Charlie was younger he loved Chocolate Mint ice Cream and also Chocolate Mint Gum but now not so much. But it would be fun to let Charlie know February 19th is National Chocolate Mint Day #ChocolateMintDay because it is also Thursday which is known as #ThrowbackThursday and we could go back in time and get Charlie Chocolate Mint Ice Cream and Gum. Would you also like some?
National Chocolate Mint Day celebrates the unusual yet delicious flavor which has become a classic over time. The combination of Chocolate Mint seems to make for a healthy alternative. Chocolate helps produce Serotonin and Dopamine, and the combination of that with Mint overall makes for a healthier Candy.
Mint is also a powerful herb which aids digestion and fabulously freshens breath. This triumphant flavor combination means an entire day dedicated to its taste and vigor. Announced by the United States National Confectioners Association, national Chocolate Mint Day honors the flavor pairing and reflects the mishmash of these two flavors and their popularity.
Did you know Chocolate only used to be consumed as a beverage?. The Aztecs and Mayans brought Chocolate back to Europe, but it wasn’t as popular as it is today due to its bitterness and medical purposes.
Historically, Mint also initially started out as a hot beverage. In Europe, Mint was mixed with Cinnamon and Spices to make it more palatable. Over time, Sugar, Chocolate and Mint drinks became popular and fashionable. By the 1800’s, Chocolate was already being mass produced but mixing it with Mint did not happen for a while yet.
The Romans and Ancient Greeks genuinely used and valued Mint due to its health benefits. It aids digestion, freshens the breath and is a regular component in many recipes. Combining Mint with Chocolate happened around the 19th Century when Chocolate alone was being manufactured as confectionary and for Ice Cream.
In the 1940’s, the creation of the York Peppermint Patty was announced, and this popular development made these two flavors combined, an absolute hit. The York Cone Company is now owned by Hershey which today speaks for itself. Since then, the combination of Chocolate and Mint is one to be reckoned with.
Mass production meant Chocolate was eventually combined with Mint to make a dazzling final result. One of the earliest mass producers of Chocolate Mints was a place in New York called Huylers who had a chain of stores across the U.S. Girl Scouts popularized the snack in the 50’s and they are still famous today. Now, Chocolate and Mint can be found everywhere from Ice Cream to Cookies and Candy.
How To Celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day
- On National Chocolate Mint Day you should eat Chocolate and Mint together whichever way floats your boat,. Whether it’s making a Cake, a Pie, eating Ice Cream, go ahead and divulge in this fab flavor combination. Make sure to share and take photos if sharing on social media too. using the Hashtag #ChocolateMintDay
- Have you ever tried Chocolate Mint Coffee? I haven’t and I don’t plan on it but I might make some at home for David. Imagine waking up to a hot steaming cup of Mint Chocolate Coffee in the morning to share with your family?
- Chocolate Mint Coffee is heavenly with the perfect balance of Mint and Chocolate with a breakfast of your choosing.
- Whether it’s a slice of Chocolate Mint Cake, or Mint Ice Cream or Mint Chocolate, indulge in the brown and green goodness. If you want, try and make your own classic from scratch or find a recipe online and make it fun so you can celebrate in style.
Facts About National Chocolate Mint Day
- Tea Houses and Dinner Halls in the 1900’s, Mint and Dark Chocolate sprigs were served for good breath and to aid digestion.
- Did you know Thin Mints account for more than 25% of Girl Scout Cookies sales?
- Popular Chocolate Mints, where once known as ‘‘Andies Mountains’’ were once called ‘‘Andies Candies.’’
- The Ancient Greeks believed that Mint could cure hiccups.
- Mint Chocolate is also the name of a herb with edible leaves.
Why People love National Chocolate Mint Day
It doesn’t matter if it’s Summer, or Christmas, Chocolate Mint is an elegant and classy flavor. The kind of flavor you go running around in the stores looking for, before going over to have dinner because it’s a known classic and it always makes for a sophisticated gift.
Did you know there are so many different recipes using the combination of Mint and Chocolate, and that’s why people love Chocolate Mint! From Cookies, to Ice Cream with Whipped Cream, the versatility of this flavor is endless.
I have a question for you. Does anybody else just take a deep whiff of Mint Chocolate before they eat it? We mean really smell how wonderful Mint Chocolate is, and how the flavors combine so well even in scent? I don’t plan on smelling Mint and Chocolate but you might want to try it sometime.
Ingredients
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, divided
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 ounces white candy coating, coarsely chopped
- 2 to 3 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 3 drops green food coloring
Directions
- In a heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips with 1 cup milk. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Spread half into a waxed paper-lined 8-in. square pan; chill for 10 minutes or until firm.
- Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan over low heat, cook and stir candy coating with remaining milk until coating is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over bottom layer; chill for 10 minutes or until firm.
- Warm remaining chocolate mixture if necessary; spread over mint layer. Chill for 2 hours or until firm. Remove from pan; cut into 1-in. squares
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
