While you're frying up some eggs and bacon, we're cooking up something else: a way to celebrate today's food holiday.

February 19 is National Chocolate Mint Day, according to the National Confectioners Association.

Certain chocolate pairings are no-brainers: Chocolate and strawberries; chocolate and nuts; chocolate and orange; and, of course, chocolate with a surprise burst of mint.

The latter combination is pervasive, from ice cream to candy to Girl Scout cookies.

Chocolate and mint pair so well because of their differences. Creamy chocolate comes alive when paired with something fresh, contrasting and strong in flavor.

If you’re looking to try something that tastes the same but looks a bit different (and lasts much longer), look for a chocolate mint plant the next time you’re buying herbs or seeds. It's planted in the spring and the sprigs taste just like a certain thin, round cookie. It’s great in desserts or to add a kick of flavor to tea or coffee.