peppermint

For those of you worried that the end of the holiday season means you'll no longer be able to enjoy the specialty red cup drinks at Starbucks, then stop stressing out. Here's a recipe so you can make your own delicious peppermint mocha. — Brewed Coffee

They say the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but I must add that it generally isn't the healthiest. Here are a few things I think will help you stay happy, fit, and healthy in December.

If you want to see why these are my December must haves just read more

If you're looking for a great cookie to nibble on while you decorate for the holidays, try these Chocolate Peppermint Drop-Cookies. — Vanilla Garlic

One of C.O. Bigelow's most popular products is its Mentha Lip Shine (and since Fab is a fan, you know it's good stuff). This week, the apothecary is introducing Mentha Body, a collection of mint-infused soaps, creams and lotions. I got a sneak peek at the products and I like them quite a bit. The fresh, invigorating scent is reminiscent of a candy cane, but it's not so overwhelming that you'll walk around smelling like one of Santa's little helpers. For a rundown of my favorite products, and to find out why guys will like them too, read more

Have you heard of Tazo Tea? They're a unique tea company offering delicious tea from all over the world. The name Tazo actually means "river of life," and "fresh." It's a great name considering that Tazo teas are invigorating, satisfying, and all around good for the soul.


You can get black tea in flavors like Vanilla, Earl Grey, Citron, Darjeeling, and they even make a decaffeinated Chai tea.
Tazo also makes delicious green teas. You can get Green Ginger, Lotus, and Zen teas that combines green tea with the taste of spearmint, lemongrass, and a hint of lemon zest. I love the one named Om, which is a combination of green and black teas.

Since I have a sweet tooth, I love their herbal infusion teas. Flavors such as Sweet Cinnamon Spice, Wild Sweet Orange, and Tazo Honeybush are wonderful on a cold day.

Fit's Tips: I always keep Tazo's Calm tea in the house when I need to relax with the soothing taste of chamomile. Tazo's Refresh is great for a tummy ache with its mix of peppermint and spearmint. In the summer time, I love to make iced tea out of Tazo's Passion tea. It's a light red tea with a delicate hint of hibiscus flowers.

Don't forget! Tomorrow's the deadline to submit your best peppermint recipe to the Secret Ingredient Group. It doesn't matter if it's a fantastic cocktail, a savory side or a killer main course, as long as it utilizes peppermint and is delicious, it needs to be shared with everyone! Feel free to use peppermint candy, oil, leaves or any other creative idea you can think of. My favorite recipe will be posted here on Friday.

PS - Peppermint isn't just tasty, it's good for you too. Check out FitSugar's Skinny On: Peppermint.

Two of my favorite treats are a hot mug of peppermint tea and a cold dish of peppermint ice cream. I must also say that candy canes receive an honorable mention.

Peppermint has long been grandma's answer to belly aches and you know what? She was right on target. Peppermint calms the belly and stimulates digestion. It is often taken by folks with Irritable Bowel Syndrome to lessen the syndrome's irritating symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

More than just a tonic for your tummy, peppermint is also an expectorant and a decongestant. It may offer some relief for mild asthma attacks, lessening bronchial constriction and making it easier to breathe. Peppermint promotes sweating, which could possibly help regulate body temperature during a fever, which is good news during cold and flu season.

Medicinally, peppermint is available in many forms: tea, tinctures, capsules, creams, ointments, or essential oil. It is generally considered safe when used properly.

FYI - Peppermint is YumSugar's secret ingredient this week. If you have a recipe that includes peppermint, you should definitely stop by and share it with her.

Each week I'll think of a new secret ingredient and then you post your best recipe using that ingredient into the Secret Ingredient Group.

This week's challenge is Peppermint.
Use the candy, leaves, oil, tea, etc. All of it is fair game. Just be sure to post your recipe in the Secret Ingredient Group by Thursday. It can be a drink, a dessert or a meal, get creative!

Last week I asked you to turn in your best butternut squash recipes. There were some great submissions including a simple yummy squash and a squash risotto. However, there can only be one favorite and this week the honor goes to TeamSugar member WhiplashGirlchild with her Butternut Squash and Hazelnut Lasagna. Be sure to check out her great recipe and see the rest of the butternut squash recipes while you're there.

Pop Rocks has unveiled its new limited edition candy cane flavor. Each pack will set you back 99 cents and is guaranteed all the explosion power that you get with regular Pop Rocks. Perfect for a last minute stocking stuffer. You can order them here.