Peas With Mint And Orange Peel (Recipe)

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh peas (3 cups shelled)

1/2 cup water

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup butter or margarine, cut up

3 to 4 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel

2 tablespoons snipped fresh mint or 1/2 teaspoon dried mint, crushed

Dash salt

Dash pepper

Steps

1.  Shell the peas and rinse in cold water.

2.  In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil.  Add the peas and return to a boil.  Reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the peas are crisp-tender.

3.  Drained the cooked peas.  Add the butter or margarine, orange peel and mint; toss to coat.  Season to taste with the salt and pepper.  Serve immediately.

Tips:

When shopping for fresh peas, look for small, plump, bright green, shiny pods that are filled with medium-size peas.  Refrigerate unshelled and unwashed peas in a plastic bag up to 2 days.

To micro-cook fresh peas: Place them in a microwave-safe casserole with 2 tablespoon water.  Micro-cook, covered, on 100% power (high) for 4 to 6 minutes or until the peas are crisp-tender, stirring once.

If fresh aren't available, substitute one 16-ounce package frozen peas and cook according to the package directions.

Spearmint and peppermint are the two most widely used mints.  Peppermint has a sharp, pungent flavor, while spearmint has a more delicate flavor.

Instead of trying to chop fresh mint with a knife, place the leaves in a glass measuring cup and snip with scissors.

If you are using dried mint, measure it , then crush it between your finger to release the aromatic oils.

To shred orange peel: Push a clean orange across a fine shredding surface to make very fine strips.

From : America's Best-Loved Community Recipes