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I am turning a new leaf.

No literally, I am.

Mint is a whole new leaf to me.

Ok, technically it is an herb. But really, it looks like a pretty green leaf and honestly I do not like to get technical around here anyway.

I know that a lot people love mint.

I was never one of those people. Until now, of course.

Growing up, my Mimi and Papa (Dad’s mom and dad) belonged to this country club, Westwood. If you happen to live in Ohio along Lake Erie in Bay Village, Rocky River, Lakewood or really anywhere along the west side of Cleveland, than you probably know what I am talking about. It’s a typical country club with a golf course, tennis courts, pool, snack bar, club house and formal dinning area.

This is all great if your family is country club suitable.

Mine is most definitely not.

Like in any way shape or form.

My family, and by family I mean my immediate family, two parents, six siblings and me.

Yeah, the nine of us? We’re the hillbillies. Seriously not even exaggerating.

We’re the trouble makers, the rule breakers, the always late ones, the ones that show up in jeans to a coat and tie event, the loud ones (ahem, Creighton), the improper eaters. Basically, the embarrassing ones.

That’s my family. Want to come meet us? We’re pretty fun!

Anyhoo,

Westwood always had those chocolate covered mint candies lying around in little bowls. Like they were everywhere. It was pure torture. Every time I would see a bowl I’d grab one, bite in and be so disappointed. Then I’d proceed to put my bitten candy back in the bowl…..

Just kidding!

Come on, I would not do that. Or maybe, I would. No I wouldn’t. Okay, wait I probably would if they were a box of candies that were lying around my house. Yeah, then it’s fair game.

So because of those stupid candies I grew up thinking I hated mint, when in reality I think I just did not like those candies. Although, I do remember stealing a few spoonfuls of my little bro’s mint chocolate chip ice cream straight from the freezer. That stuff was pretty good, but I am positive the only reason I did that was because that was my only option at the time. If given the choice between vanilla ice cream and mint chocolate chip I would always go vanilla.

Ah man, now I am thinking about that new batch of ice cream in the freezer. The one I haven’t posted yet. Can’t wait to share that one with you, mmmm.

Ok, focus Tieghan!

Anyway, here is the deal, I saw some pretty mint in the store.

Then for some reason I had the urge to buy the pretty mint. Then I made some pesto with pistachios and the said mint and fell madly and deeply in love. Not gonna lie, the manchego cheese probably helped a whole lot. Then I fried some zucchini, but not really. I crisped it in a skillet, cause you all know I hate frying.

Next I put it all together and called it a meal.

And now, I love mint. Especially mint with manchego cheese and pistachios. So darn good. Oh and obviously the fried zucchini. It is crispy, cheesy and so sticking good.

Love it.

Think you’ll love it too.