Mint Condition

It all started with a little green…

I just needed something for a that “pop” in the pic of Sunday morning’s
Blueberry Cobbler Protein Pancakes.

Enter discount mint stage left:

Can I get a “hell yeah” for impulse purchases?!

I mean c’mon, it was 50% off…how was I supposed to just…leave it hanging there on the rack??

But after my two leaf garnish, and not being much of a mojito fan, what in the world was I going to do with an entire package of mint?

Thoughts on the drive home from work Monday morning:

…starving…

…pancakes…

…no time for pancakes…

…PANCAKES…

…mint…

…green…

…leftover kale withering away in the crisper…

…blended green oats?

…blended green MINT oats?!

…mmm, with CHOCOLATE chips?!??

MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP PARFAIT!!

Best zombie thought process EVER!

Mint Chocolate Chip Parfait

By:Β Heather Powers

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 1)

For the Mint-Infused Oats

  • 1/4 cup oat bran
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 cup steamed kale or raw spinach
  • 5-7 fresh mint leaves (or 1/8 teaspoon mint extract)

For the Whipped Cottage Cheese

  • 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 tablespoons water
  • 5-7 drops NuNaturals liquid vanilla stevia
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)*
  • 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
*I used cocoa powder in remake of this and it was DELICIOUS…but not as photogenic!

Instructions

For the Mint-Infused Oats

1. Combine oat bran, water, and vanilla extract in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 2 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through.
2. After cooking, combine oats, protein powder, kale, and mint in a blender and blend until smooth.

For the Whipped Cream Cheese

1. In a blender combine cottage cheese, water, sweetener and cocoa (if using) and puree until smooth.
2. Layer oats, mini chocolate chips, and whipped cottage cheese into a jar or glass until full saving enough chocolate chips for topping.

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While this recipe is VERY similar to my Red Velvet Cake Parfait, I decreased the amount of cottage cheese so that I could add more chocolate chips…it’s ALLLLLLL about balance! πŸ˜‰

Nutrition facts reflect one scoop of protein powder equaling 100 calories and 24 grams of protein.

Don’t be afraid of the greens people! As long as you’re using aΒ GOOD QUALITY protein powder, you won’t be able to taste it at all!

Besides, if you left it out…it wouldn’t be as pretty! πŸ˜‰

Warm minty oats…cool sweet cream…rich melty chocolate…

Oh hell, I’m drooling on myself!

So, I still have half a package of mint left…what should I do with it?

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33 Responses to Mint Condition

  1. Emily says:

    Okay, officially drooling…
    Anytime mint and chocolate are involved, I’m on board. And I don’t know how you managed to get that gorgeous green color but it’s amazing!

    I actually just used mint to make a cold, lentil salad yesterday that was delicious. Trader Joe’s pre-cooked lentils mixed with tomato, edamame, diced celery/carrots/zucchini, and celery…then topped with fresh lemon juice, mint, and a drizzle of Trader Joe’s Goddess Dressing.
    Let’s just say, it didn’t last very long…
    (:

  2. jodie says:

    Mint brownies…

  3. I didn’t think I liked chocolate mint until I had my first grasshopper (creme de methe, creme de cacao and cream) when I was in Mexico. Apparently, the combo is pretty damn amazing. I think this may be a wee bit healthier than my Mexican grasshopper though – and a much more appropriate breakfast! πŸ™‚

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      I was never a big fan of mint and chocolate either until about a year ago…I think it just has to have the right amount of mintiness for me…just enough to shine along WITH the chocolate instead of taking it over. And now, I’m going to be dreaming of Mexican grasshoppers tonight…I’ll let you know if it turns out the be the actual DRINK or tiny insects in oversized sombreros! πŸ˜‰

  4. Kelsey says:

    Yummmm….

    mint brownies, for sure!

  5. Holy power of yum, this looks amazing! When can I come over for breakfast?!

  6. My favorite thing to do with mint in the summer is make a salad of arugula, watermelon (or peaches), goat cheese and mint with a light oil/balsamic vinegar toss. You can see a recipe I put on my blog for a version with peaches! Trust me, it’s the most amazing flavor combo.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Oh WOW! That sounds to die for! I always forget how well watermelon and mint go together! And with the bitter arugula and tart goat cheese? Sounds like a party in your mouth!

  7. julie says:

    genius to infuse mint & spinach into your oats like that – i’m 100% trying that. why do i not have time in the morning to do this WAHHHH

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Maybe try them as overnights? I love the combo of the hot and cold, but I’m sure it would still be just as delish chilled! πŸ™‚

  8. Holy yum!! I love me some mint! I have it growing out of my ears too… I wish I could send you some!!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Oh man, I wish you could too! I’ve heard that it’s really easy to grow, but I kill EVERYTHING…unfortunately, I inherited my mother’s “black thumb” Lol

  9. Mmmm this looks so darn good! It’s like an After Eight mint in breakfast form! πŸ˜€

  10. Allie says:

    I think I buy my produce/groceries based entirely around what I find on manager’s special. I ate A LOT of button mushrooms earlier this week ;D I’m not a huge mint fan outside of mint tea, but MAN, you make one pretty parfait.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Thanks Allie! And I totally do the same thing…I swear, sometimes I just go to the store to see what they have on special…I feel like a foodie sniper walking the aisles looking for orange and yellow tags! Bahaha!

  11. amy says:

    so pretty!! all these recipes look ridiculously good…such pretty colors too i love it!

  12. Brittany says:

    This looks so pretty and absolutely delicious! I haven’t had oat bran in so long – I need try this.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Thank you Brittany! It was incredible! I actually made another just the other day…I definitely recommend stirring the cocoa into the whipped cottage cheese (or yogurt) layer! Sooooo good!

  13. OMG, you are ridiculously good. How do you to do it?! I can’t wait to try this one. If you still have mint, mix it with grilled peaches….or a watermelon salad. Fruit + Mint = Beautiful Thing.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Thanks girlie! Can’t wait to hear what you think!

      Mmmm, grilled peaches…I’ve been meaning to do that ALL summer! I better hurry up, huh?

  14. Meg says:

    You know what I love most about your recipes? They are a perfectly balanced meal! Seriously, the stats are exactly what I look for. You know me so well πŸ˜‰ Or maybe it’s just a coincidence….. haha!

    I love your thought process btw. YOU ARE TOO CUTE. I seriously cannot believe I just started reading your blog this summer :'( You make me smile like crazy throughout every post! Love you

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  17. Sarah says:

    Aaaah, I want to try this! Seems like vanilla stevia definitely needs to jump into my very first iHerb order. Which do you use? The alcohol-free or the “normal” one? NuNaturals seems to be everyone’s favourite brand.

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