The movie owes much to technology. Consider the great leaps forward: Sound. Color. Junior Mint. Indeed, the modern viewing public rarely indulges in the oldie that lacks, minimally, sound and color and mint.
Authorities from the motion-picture industry concede that the new release can be screened unaccompanied by mint. But counsel against the practice. It would leave the viewer listless during the post-ticket, pre-trailer lull. And flood the market with a surplus 15 million mints per day.
The serious cineaste (as the French would have it) opposes popcorn’s annoying crunch and the big slurp’s irritating slosh. But remains silent on the silent mint. Indeed the mint, slipped soundlessly from palm to palate, offers the plodding epic a refreshing subplot. Its smooth, dark-chocolate shell and yielding peppermint center pair well with the gripping drama, searing mystery or animated trash-compacting robot romance.
There are members of the moviegoing masses who maintain that the Junior Mint offers health benefits beyond those listed on the snack pack. Regular dosage of one shared box per feature can lower blood pressure, soothe ulcer and (as one sitcom classic submits) resuscitate the surgical patient. The viewer who demands medical evidence proves himself ignorant of the moviegoers’ creed: Just go with it.
Tonight we appreciate the movies in all their glamor, drama and embarrassing dance numbers. This ritual, one of our nation’s most pious, is celebrated not on the silver screen, but the flatscreen. Which is to say, at home. But rare is the hostess willing to install a concession stand in her kitchen. Indeed, protocol dictates that she provide refreshments gratis.
She seeks to blend the magic of the movie house with the comforts of the couch, to meld the surreptitious pleasure of candy in the dark with the slovenly pleasure of ice cream in pajamas. She scoops both traditions into the blender and swirls an instant classic: The Junior Mint Shake.
It’s cool and refreshing, yet not so demanding as to detract from the long speech or short gown. Its chilly thrill matches that of the red carpet, while its pale construction matches that of the living-room carpet. The hostess with a batch of mint mix on ice can easily keep her guests entertained right to bitter end. Making the big finish sweet.
Junior Mint Shake
Serves one
For each shake, scoop 1 cup mint-chip ice cream and 1/4 cup chilled mint base into blender. Swirl smooth. Pour into 8-ounce glass.
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Mint base: Decant 2 (4.75-ounce) boxes Junior Mints into a medium heat-proof bowl. Chop 5 ounces semisweet chocolate and 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate and tumble into the bowl. Pour 2 cups heavy cream and 1 1/4 cups whole milk into a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Immediately remove from heat and pour over chocolate. Let rest 5 minutes. Whisk smooth. Pour into a clean glass jar. Cool, seal and refrigerate. Makes about 4 1/2 cups.
Chocolate Malted
Serves one
For each malted, scoop 1 cup vanilla ice cream and 1/3 cup chilled malted base into blender. Swirl smooth. Pour into an 8-ounce glass.
Malted base: Chop 6 ounces semisweet chocolate and 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate and tumble into a medium heat-proof bowl. Whisk together 2 cups heavy cream, 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 1 1/2 cups malt powder (such as Ovaltine) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Immediately remove from heat and pour over chopped chocolate. Let rest 5 minutes. Whisk smooth. Pour into a clean glass jar. Cool, seal and refrigerate. Makes about 4 1/3 cups.
Provenance: Inspired by Mindy Segal.
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