House 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.

DIJON-STYLE MUSTARD

Steps:

• Soak the mustard seeds: Combine all ingredients in a quart jar or other sealable nonreactive container. Seal and refrigerate overnight, or up to 24 hours, shaking occasionally to distribute.
• Prepare the jars and lids: Wash all jars and lids thoroughly with soap and water and rinse well. Fill your canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch and bring to a simmer. Using a pair of canning tongs, lower the jars in gently, tilting them to fill with the hot water. In a small saucepan, keep some water warm but not boiling; place the lids in the water. Have an additional kettle of water on to boil.
• Blend the mustard: Use an immersion blender directly in the jar, or transfer the mix to a blender. Blend until desired level of smoothness.
• Cook down the mustard: Transfer the blended mustard to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until reduced by about a third, thick but still thin enough to pour easily. If the mustard becomes too thick, add water or wine a tablespoon at a time until thin enough to pour.
• Fill and close the jars: Using canning tongs, remove the jars from the canner, carefully pouring the water back into the canner. Set next to the mustard in the saucepan. Turn the heat under the canner to high. Use a ladle to pour the mustard into the jars through a canning funnel, leaving 1/2-inch headspace at the top. Run a clean chopstick around the inside of the jar to dislodge any trapped air. Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel. Place the lids on, and screw on the rings until just finger-tight.
• Seal the jars: Using canning tongs, gently transfer the jars to the canner, taking care to keep them vertical. When all the jars are in the canner, there should be at least 1 inch of water covering them; if you need more, add water from the kettle until the jars are sufficiently covered. Bring the water to a full rolling boil, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove and cool: Using canning tongs, gently remove the jars from the canner and transfer them to a kitchen towel or cooling rack, again keeping them vertical. Do not set hot jars directly on to cool counter surfaces. Leave to cool, undisturbed, for at least 12 hours. If any of the jars do not seal when cool, reprocess using the method above, or refrigerate and use immediately.
• Label and store: Add a label to the lid or side of your jar, noting the date it was canned. Remove the rings and store jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening.