Mint flavoured oil

[Sylvia]

Hi Sue and anyone interested in flavoured oils.
I am just about to use some of my overflowing pots of mint. I do try to do these for gifts, but invariably it gets used within the family. One hint, don't wrap it up prettily until you know for sure that you want to part with it.

You will need:

9 fl. ozs rapeseed oil.
1 oz of fresh mint leaves (your discretion), my mint is particularly strong this year.

Wash and dry the leaves. Get ready a bowl of iced water.
Bring a saucepan of water to the boil and blanche the min for 5 seconds scoop them out into the iced water.
Dry the leaves thoroughly on kitchen roll, then chop them up roughly then put them in a blender. Very gradually add the oil a little like making mayonnaise. Scrape all the bits and pieces down and blend again.
Strain through a sieve lined with muslin and store in a sterilised jar. Refrigerate until you want to use it, but remember not to serve it straight from the fridge - let it breathe.

This oil is nice rubbed sparingly into leg of lamb or for that matter any lamb dishes. I pour a teaspoonful down the centre of rolled lamb.

My oldest Son challenged me to a seriously hot chilli oil - it's really hhott - let me know if you think hubby will be able to handle it.

Sylvia446

[suehorne5892]

Oh My! How great! My mint is huge this year and I didn't really have any idea what to do with it. We had a drought last year and it was pitiful! I can't wait to try this. And, yes, send the chili oil. My husband does cook and his chili is wonderful! He makes a special version just for me that is very mild and just a few beans (hehehe) All the neighbors love to visit when we have cold weather and "Pete" has made chili and "Sue" has baked some bread. Yummmm! Your chili oil will be just the right extra kick for all the guys that want it Hot! Looking forward to hearing from you when you have a minute - weather here today is extraordiarily warm for early June...hot and humid - 98 today. This is usually July/August weather for us. So I will be staying indoors until late evening. Will be trying to find some homemade ice cream recipes today!
Sue in North Carolina

[Sylvia]

Hi Sue, don't know why the mint is so good this year, have to use plenty in all the lamb dishes.
I have sent a note to your personal.

If you find any good ice cream recipes I'm sure there are loads of members would like to try them. I have never ever made ice cream. My freezer is out in the garage too far to traipse and I haven't got room in the kitchen for another solitary gadget, may be able to fit in another fruit zester. Scotland doesn't have the same need for ice creams as the warmer countries.

I was pleased to hear the ladies talking about their visits to QVC channel. I'm not alone then - it's strange how hanging clothes in wardrobes make good places for hiding parcels that can be gradually introduced and lo-and-behold we've had that for ages! Not exactly a "go to the burning fire" lie, just a little fib. I'm off to have a look at your biscuit and flavoured butter recipes. Biscuits are not one of my strong points. I love flavoured butters.

Sylvia 446