I love this.  Seriously.  All you have to do is throw in some mint leaves and sugar into the bowl of your food processor, give it a whirl a few times, and you’re done.  Do I really need to write the recipe?  Ok, fine.  Just for you.

I don’t remember where I got the idea for this, but I remember seeing “mint sugar” a while ago in some magazine at the bookstore, and the idea suddenly came to slap me on the forehead today because 1) it was hot, and I wanted some cold fruit, 2) I was cleaning out my fridge and realized I had no idea what to do with my fresh mint, and 3) these peaches I bought are sour, but I’m hungry and have to find a way to make them better.  Oooh, I know, mint sugar!  And let me tell you, the minty sweet sprinkle definitely gave the peaches a whole new dimension…perfect, as this weekend marks the beginning of a hot summer!

Do what you will with this, but it’s definitely an easy alternative to dress up a simple fruit salad for a party without having to feel like you need to compensate by adding dollops of whipped cream or custard to make it pretty.  The possibilities are endless – dip the rim of your glass in some mint sugar and fill it up with lemonade or a mojito.  Now the ideas are spinning around in my head – instead of using mint, try Thai basil too, which I bet would convince any fruit-o-phobe to eat their fruits if you spinkle it on fresh-cut watermelon or pineapple spears!

Mint Sugar

makes about 1/4 cup

1/3 cup loosely packed mint leaves (rinsed, then patted until completely dry with paper towels)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1.  Combine ingredients in a food processor.  Pulse a few times, until the mint leaves are finely chopped.  Serve immediately.