Condiment Essentials French Style Dijon Mustard Recipes

DIJON MUSTARD

Steps:

• Soak and refrigerate mustard seeds: In a small plastic container or glass bowl (do not use metal), soak the mustard seeds in 5 1/2 ounces of the distilled white vinegar. Cover and set in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Soaking allows the mustard seeds to soften and plump up, which will make them break down easier during the blending process.
• Strain the mustard seeds: Using a sieve, strain the mustard seeds, and discard any vinegar. The liquid will be too bitter to use.
• Blend the mustard seeds: Place the strained mustard seeds in a blender. Add the remaining 1 1/2 ounces of distilled white vinegar, white wine, sugar, and salt into the blender as well. Blend at a low setting for 20 seconds, then slowly increase to a high setting and blend for 15 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the blender. The consistency of the mustard will have thickened slightly. Blend at low setting for 15 seconds, slowly increasing to a high setting and blend for 20 to 30 seconds. The consistency will be similar to a thick cake batter. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend for another 20 to 30 seconds at a medium to high setting.
• Chilling and storing the mustard: Transfer the mustard to a glass jar or plastic container and cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. The mustard is quite bitter immediately after blending and needs time for the bitterness to diminish. It will keep for up to 6 months in the refrigerator.

CONDIMENT ESSENTIALS: SPICY HONEY/MUSTARD SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. Storage of homemade condiments and spices Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in "Weck Jars" and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. This particular recipe, if properly stored will last 7 - 10 days, but it cannot be frozen.
• 3. What is Nutritional Yeast? It is an inactivated form of yeast commonly used to leaven bread. In other words: Dead Yeast. Dried nutritional yeast is a versatile seasoning to keep right next to the salt and pepper. Shake a dusting on toast or a bagel, use it to flavor popcorn, add it to soups before serving, replace the classic Parmesan sprinkle on a plate of pasta. Vegan-adapted recipes use nutritional yeast to add creaminess to sauces or to replicate traditionally cheese-laden dishes such as mac and cheese, au gratin potatoes, or Italian-style pasta casseroles. What Does It Taste Like? The words "nutty" and "cheesy" appear in nearly every description of nutritional yeast, yet the flavor does not replicate those ingredients exactly. It adds umami, that savory background note often referred to as the fifth taste, and similarly to salt, enhances the overall savories' of a dish, although it contains almost no sodium.
• 4. Homemade Mayonnaise To be sure, there are some good store-bought mayo's on the market (my all-time favorite is Duke's) If you live in the South, you have probably seen it on the shelves of your local grocer; however, as you travel North, it becomes as scarce as hen's teeth. If you would like to take a stab at making your own (it really is not all that difficult), check out this recipe: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/spread/mayonnaise-essentials-faux-duke-s-version.html?r=1
• 5. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 6. Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl, and whisk to combine. Then store in the fridge overnight before using.
• 7. The Chicken Wings I used this as a dipping sauce for some chicken wings. I put them into a 425f (220c) for 20 minutes. Then, I took them out and tossed them with a mixture of Frank's Hot sauce and butter. Put them back into the oven for about 15 minutes, until they were golden brown.
• 8. PLATE/PRESENT
• 9. Use on veggies, meat, fish, poultry, or as a dipping sauce. Enjoy.
• 10. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

CONDIMENT ESSENTIALS: FRENCH STYLE DIJON MUSTARD

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. This mustard gets better with age... If you can leave it in the fridge for a week, it will develop rich flavors. Patience is a virtue.
• 3. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 4. Add the mustard seeds, filtered water, and wine to a non-reactive container (mason jar), seal, and allow to sit on your counter for 24 hours... 24 hours gives you a deeper mustard flavor. The photo shows how they look after a 24-hour soak.
• 5. Dump the mustard seeds into a fine mesh strainer, and discard any remaining liquid.
• 6. THE FLAVORING
• 7. Add the wine and water to a sauce pan over medium heat. When it begins to simmer, add the remaining ingredients.
• 8. Slowly simmer, until the ingredients are infused into the liquid, about 20 minutes.
• 9. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool down for about 30 minutes.
• 10. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer and discard the solids.
• 11. Add the mustard seeds to the bowl of a food processor.
• 12. Add one or two tablespoons of the flavoring liquid to the blender, and blend.
• 13. Continue adding flavoring liquid, a tablespoon or so at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
• 14. Chef's Note: You will probably have more flavoring liquid that needed... better too much, than not enough.
• 15. PLATE/PRESENT
• 16. Use as you would any good Dijon mustard. Enjoy.
• 17. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.