Basic Country Mustard Food

BASIC COUNTRY MUSTARD

Steps:

• Grind the whole mustard seeds for a few seconds in a spice or coffee grinder, or by hand with a mortar and pestle. You want them mostly whole because you are using mustard powder, too.
• Pour the semi-ground seeds into a bowl and add the salt and mustard powder. If using, add one of the optional ingredients, too.
• Pour in the water or beer, then stir well. When everything is incorporated, let this sit for up to 10 minutes. The longer you let it sit, the mellower the mustard will be. When you're ready, pour in the vinegar.
• Pour into a glass jar and store in the fridge. It will be runny at first. Don't worry, it will thicken up overnight. Wait at least 12 hours before using. Mustard made this way will last a year in the fridge.

BEST MUSTARD EVER

Steps:

• In a small, microwave-proof bowl whisk together the dry mustard, brown sugar, salt, turmeric, paprika and garlic powder. In a separate container, combine the pickle juice, water and cider vinegar and have standing by. Place the mustard seed into a spice grinder and grind for a minimum of 1 minute, stopping to pulse occasionally. Once ground, immediately add the mustard to the bowl with the dry ingredients and add the liquid mixture. Whisk to combine. Place the bowl into the microwave and heat on high for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and puree with a stick blender for 1 minute. Pour into a glass jar or container and allow to cool uncovered. Once cool, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

BUTTERMILK MASHED POTATOES WITH COUNTRY MUSTARD

Steps:

• Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain. Transfer potatoes to large bowl.
• Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in Dijon mustard. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 1/2 cups buttermilk. Using handheld electric mixer, beat potatoes until smooth. Gradually beat in buttermilk mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Beat in additional buttermilk if dry. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature. Rewarm in microwave-safe bowl until heated through, about 5 minutes.) Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley around edge.