The snow was gone here a couple weeks ago and thank goodness for this weather so far! After the past couple years (and even last month) where we've had below normal winter and spring temps, it's a nice break. You can thank a positive NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) and a neutral to slightly positive Pacific Oscillation for that. We had gotten so accustomed to teens and twenties for highs every winter for weeks at a time and being pushed to consider that "normal" (which it isn't, at least here in SE PA), that what we are experiencing now seems "mild" and in reality, it's closer to "normal" and what the temps should be (highs mid - upper 30s and lows in the mid 20s for the coldest month of January). Since the beginning of December, I have watched below normal weather here in the east being idiotically cheered on by several commercial weather forecasters (some who finally admitted that they were "snow lovers" after weeks on end threatening that winter is coming... winter is coming.... look out.... And even concocting hypothetical graphical scenarios illustrating what would need to occur to theoretically produce even more severely below normal cold weather), while those same ones cheered on the above-normal temps elsewhere across the U.S. But god forbid, let us struggle to normal and slightly above and they get their panties in a twist. Meanwhile out west, temps are some 30 degrees above normal. :-\ Sorry for the weather rant...but I've been wanting to get that out. ;-) beanmomma - if you can remember the winter of 2001 - 2002, you might be able to predict whether your plants will come out of dormancy too soon. I have a couple new potted shrubs and a new containered tree (a plum that only needs 250 chill hours which I'm sure has gotten that by now) that I am watching too. Right now it seems that the temp range has been perfect for "chill hour" accumulation. But I think as long as we do hit or go below freezing at night, I expect the plants will hang on in dormancy awhile longer. Crossing fingers that we can make it through this month like this and squeak through February the same way, then we should be pretty much on our way to spring! :-)

I missed your ammonia paragraph, Skybird, oops, shows I should read more carefully. Last week, my DD managed to kick a soccer ball into a bush with resident wasp nest and was stung when she retrieved the ball, ran into the greenhouse and slapped a paper towel with ammonia on it, and that was that. And for those who have fungus gnats in their houseplants/seedling starting stuff, that BT israelensis takes care of them very nicely. I order a 20 oz batch, and it lasts several years. When I start my seedlings, I sprinkle a couple of grains of the stuff in each cell, and no more fungus gnats. Here is a link that might be useful: link

I use various cheeses. My favorites are fontina, monterey jacks, cheddars (sharp especially for us), gouda, edam, gruyere, mozzarella, parmesan, romano, and provolone. I have melted asiago once and it came out okay too. The trick is to make your white sauce first and then add the cheese as the milk warms in small chunks or shred it. Stir contantly and don't whisk it, just easy stirs. Velvety sauce everytime is my experience. If you aren't making a sauce, or adding it to other ingredients, then almost anything will do I would think, but fresh cheeses like goat cheese can separate on you, I've had that happen once. Most cheese have a huge fat content and have salt. The fatter the cheese, usually the easier it melts I would think. We eat a LOT of cheese in our family, but we like it fresh cut or in a sauce best. Cheddar and mozzarella are the basic toppings for pizza or like tuna melts. Our favorite cheeses for macaroni and cheeses when I do it homemade is a mixture. I will do tomato sauces or white sauce based cheese sauces based on what tag ends of cheese, or cheese I need to use are in the fridge. Fontina is a favorite white cheese around here for melting. And, I think I forgot plain swiss in my list. But, baby swiss to nice ripe swiss cheese always tastes good mixed with beef. Try fontina cheese mixed in with ground veal, and don't forget to use feta cheese with lamb!!

Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Sep 20, 10 at 20:31 Do you have a T+T recipe that uses mustard? Any style of mustard is fine. That's our focus that Rosewitch picked for the next two weeks. Put on your thinking caps, flavored mustards, dry mustard, honey mustard, dijon, plain, it doesn't matter. This cookalong will run until Oct.3, 2010. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #34 - Chocolate Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by denise8101214 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 20, 10 at 20:43 Link to all the Cookalongs. Here is a link that might be useful: Link to all the Cookalongs o Cookalong #35 Mustard clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by denise8101214 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 20, 10 at 20:54 Mustard is not the star of this dish but it is important. **Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette** 2008, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, All Rights Reserved Prep Time:15 min Inactive Prep Time:-- Cook Time:28 min Level:Easy Serves:4 servings Ingredients * 1 (1 1/2-pound) butternut squash, peeled and 3/4-inch) diced * Good olive oil * 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup * Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper * 3 tablespoons dried cranberries * 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice * 2 tablespoons cider vinegar * 2 tablespoons minced shallots * 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard * 4 ounces baby arugula, washed and spun dry * 1/2 cup walnuts halves, toasted * 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the butternut squash on a sheet pan. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss. Roast the squash for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until tender. Add the cranberries to the pan for the last 5 minutes. While the squash is roasting, combine the apple cider, vinegar, and shallots in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Off the heat, whisk in the mustard, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Place the arugula in a large salad bowl and add the roasted squash mixture, the walnuts, and the grated Parmesan. Spoon just enough vinaigrette over the salad to moisten and toss well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve immediately. o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lindac (My Page) on Mon, Sep 20, 10 at 20:58 Oh no!!!! Don't stop the chocolate yet!! Mustard.... How about mustard coated saddle of lamb? One saddle cut lamb roast. Dijon mustard to coat 5 or 6 cloves of garlic, either crushed or finely chopped 2 cups home made toasted unseasoned bread crumbs 2 T dry chopped parsley ( dry mixes better with the crumbs than fresh) 2 teaspoons of dry oregano Mix seasonings with the crumbs Salt and pepper. Bring the meat to room temp...pat dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Smear it with the garlic and with prepared Grey Poupon mustard ( or any other good Dijon mustard) and press the seasoned crumbs into the mustard to coat well. Place on a shallow baking oan and roast in a preheated 375 oven until done to your liking. Sorry, I can't give a time because it depends on the size of the roast and how done you like it. For a 4 or 5 pound roast cooked medium rare 40 minutes is about right. Remember a saddle roast has a lot of bone and cooks more rapdcly than a boneless leg. Linda C o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by doucanoe (My Page) on Mon, Sep 20, 10 at 21:17 Oooh....mustard is a tough one! I am up to the challenge, tho! Shrimp Dijon 12 oz frozen, cooked, tail on shrimp, thawed 3T butter 1-1/2 c sliced fresh mushrooms 1/4c finely chopped onion 1 T flour 3/4 c chicken broth 1/4 c dry white wine 1 T Dijon mustard 1 tsp dried tarragon 1/4 tsp paprika 1/4tsp black pepper 1/4 c heavy cream In large skillet melt butter, add mushrooms and onion, saut� until tender. Stir in flour, add broth and wine, stirring frequently. Stir in mustard and seasonings. Cook until mixture thickens and is bubbly. Reduce heat and stir in cream and shrimp. Cover and cook 2 minutes more or until heated through. Serve over rice. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wild Rice Potato Rosti 1/2c wild rice, cooked 2lb potatoes, cooked and peeled 3T walnut oil 1tsp yellow mustard seeds 1 onion coarsely grated and drained 2T fresh thyme Salt & pepper Coarsely grate cooked potatoes into large bowl. Add cooked rice. Heat 2T oil in large non-stick frying pan. Add mustard seeds, when seeds begin to "pop" add onion, cook gently for 5 minutes or until soft. Add onions to potatoes & rice, add thyme and mix thoroughly. Season with salt & pepper. Heat remaining oil in pan. Add potato mixture, press down well and cook for about 10 minutes or until golden on bottom. Cove pan with plate and flip over, slide rosti back into frying pan and cook other side 10 minutes more, or until golden. Cut in wedges and serve. Linda o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 20, 10 at 21:27 I love sauces and gravy so I'll share these two faves of mine. I double the sauce for Weed's recipe. Love to pour some over couscous that I usally make with it. Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream (Weed) Serves: 2 1# pork tenderloin, cut into 2" slices Seasoned flour 2 Tbl. butter, divided 2 tsp. canola or olive oil 2 green onions, thinly sliced (coin shape), white and green parts separated 1/3 cup white wine or dry vermouth 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tsp. Dijon mustard (or more to taste) salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to low, about 170 degrees F Lightly pound pork medallions to 1" thick. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tsp. oil over medium high heat. Dredge pork in seasoned flour. Add pork slices all at once to pan and saute 2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and hold in the oven while finishing the sauce. (pork will be a bit underdone but will finish in the oven.) Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to pan. Add white part of onion, saute for 1 minute. Add wine or vermouth, simmer until syrupy and reduced to about 3 tablespoons. Add cream, simmer 2 - 3 minutes until thickened.* Stir in Dijon, add salt and pepper to taste. Return pork to pan to coat with sauce. Serve over rice or pasta, garnishing with the green part of the onion. *If sauce ends up too thick for your liking, add a little water or milk, but no more than 1/4 cup. You can double the sauce ingredients so there is enough to pour over rice. MQ's Steak Diane for Two (Mqmoi) Mark Bittman, New York Times 2 6-ounce beef fillets, cut from the tenderloin (filet mignon), preferably not too lean Salt and pepper 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon minced shallot or onion 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, or to taste (I added 1/2 t. extra because dh likes it) � cup heavy cream or half-and-half Lemon juice to taste, optional Chopped fresh chives or parsley leaves for garnish. 1. Flatten fillets a bit with the palm of your hand, the back of a skillet or a small mallet; they should be about 1 inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and a lot of pepper. In small skillet, preferably one just large enough to hold fillets, combine oil and tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. When butter foam melts, sear steaks on both sides, just until browned, no more than 2 minutes a side. Remove to platter. 2. Wipe pan clean with towel; add remaining butter over medium heat, with shallot or onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire and cream. Add some salt and a fair amount of pepper. Stir once or twice, then taste and adjust seasoning. 3. Keeping mixture at a steady simmer, return meat and accumulated juices to pan. Cook, turning two or three times, until meat is done to your liking, just 1 or 2 minutes a side for medium-rare. Remove to a plate, and add lemon juice, if using, salt and pepper to the sauce as needed. Spoon sauce over meat, garnish with chives or parsley, and serve. David o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by rosewitch (My Page) on Mon, Sep 20, 10 at 21:40 Wow; lots of lovely ideas already! And David the two you added are similar to the one recipe I use the most. Looks like mixing mustard with cream is something lots of cooks do! I can't remember where I found this recipe. I think it may have been in one of the magazines I used to subscribe to years ago. I have been making it for at least 30 years! I wrote it down on a 4x6 recipe card and the card has bent corners but I still pull it out of my recipe box when I want to make this dish. Chicken with Mustard and Cream 2 chicken breasts-whole, skinned and boned 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 Tablespoon olive oil 2 Tablespoons butter 2 Tablespoons chopped green onions 1 cup mushrooms, thickly sliced 1/3 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup heavy cream 2 to 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley Cut chicken breasts into 4 halves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Saute chicken in butter and oil in a large skillet, shaking pan to prevent sticking until lightly golden, about 6 minutes. Turn, lower heat and saute until chicken is just tender, about 4 minutes longer. Chicken should feel springy with no pink remaining. Cover and cook 2 minutes longer to steam. Remove chicken from pan, cover and keep warm. Pour fat from skillet into a cup. Return 2 Tablespoons to the skillet. Saute shallots about 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and cook and stir until golden. Add wine, bring to a boil and cook until syrupy. Add cream and any juices from the chicken. Cook until slightly thickened. Stir in mustard, taste and add seasonings if needed. Add parsley. Pour sauce over chicken and serve. I am copying and pasting all of the others. Kat o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by caliloo (My Page) on Tue, Sep 21, 10 at 7:09 Here are a couple of our favs. Alexa ******************************************************* MUSTARD CHICKEN AND ORZO CASSEROLE WITH DILL AND CAPERS Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr 3 cups chicken broth 1 3/4 lb skinless boneless chicken breast halves 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons coarse-grain mustard 3 tablespoons drained bottled capers, rinsed 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill 1/4 cup sour cream 6 celery ribs, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices 1 cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta) Special equipment: a 2 1/2- to 3-quart flameproof gratin dish or shallow casserole dish (1 1/2 to 2 inches deep; not glass) Bring broth to a simmer in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Add chicken and simmer very gently, turning once, 6 minutes total. Remove pan from heat and cover, then let stand until chicken is just cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate to cool and keep broth warm, partially covered. Melt butter in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over low heat, then add flour and cook roux, stirring, 3 minutes. Add warm broth all at once, whisking, and simmer gently, whisking occasionally, 10 minutes. Whisk in cream and simmer, whisking occasionally, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mustards, capers, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and dill (to taste). Transfer 1/2 cup sauce to a small bowl and stir in sour cream to make topping. Shred chicken with your fingers and stir together with remaining sauce in a large bowl. Preheat oven to 350�F. Cook celery in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of cold water to stop cooking and return cooking water to a boil. Drain celery in a colander and add to chicken mixture. Cook orzo in same boiling water until just tender, then drain in a sieve. Stir orzo into chicken mixture, then transfer mixture to gratin dish, spreading evenly. Spoon sour cream topping over top and spread evenly. Bake, covered with foil, in middle of oven until heated through and sauce is bubbling around edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Preheat broiler. Remove foil from dish and broil about 3 inches from heat until top is speckled with brown spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Cooks' note: � Casserole can be assembled (but not baked or broiled) 6 hours ahead and cooled, uncovered, then chilled, covered with foil. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before baking. Makes 4 to 6 servings. ********************************************************* CRAB TARTLETS 40 min : 20 min prep Crust 1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 3 ounces chilled cream cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Filling 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 large egg, slightly beaten 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon hot sauce 1 (8 ounce) container lump crabmeat, shell pieces removed. See above note 1/4 cup green onion, minced 1/4 cup red bell pepper, minced Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For crust: Blend flour and salt in processor 5 seconds. Add butter and cream cheese. Using on/off turns, blend until moist clumps form. Gather dough; shape into 6-inch-long log. Wrap and chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day. Cut log into 24 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Press 1 round into each cup of 2 nonstick 12-cup mini muffin pans; freeze 30 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, and next 6 ingredients; beat with an electric mixer at low speed until smooth. Fold in crabmeat, green onion, and red bell pepper. Spoon crab mixture evenly into prepared wonton cups. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until center are set and crust is lightly browned. ******************************************************** Cheesy Baked Penne with Cauliflower and Creme Fraiche Bon Appetit : October 2008 Yield: Makes 8 servings 1 1 1/2- to 1 3/4-pound head of cauliflower, cored, cut into 1-inch florets 2 large heirloom tomatoes 5 tablespoons butter, divided 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions Coarse kosher salt 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 1 cup heavy whipping cream 3 cups coarsely grated Comte cheese (or half Gruyere and half Fontina; about 9 ounces), divided 3/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 cup creme fraiche* 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard 10 ounces penne (3 1/2 cups) 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (from crustless French bread ground in processor) Cook cauliflower in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Using large sieve, transfer cauliflower to bowl. Add tomatoes to pot; cook 1 minute. Remove from water; peel and dice tomatoes. Reserve pot of water. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower; saute until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and green onions. Cook 1 minute to blend flavors. Remove from heat. Season with coarse salt and pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour and stir 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in cream. Cook until sauce thickens, whisking occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add 2 cups Comte cheese; whisk until melted and sauce is smooth. Whisk in 1/2 cup Parmesan, then creme fraiche and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Return reserved pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain; return pasta to same pot. Stir in cauliflower mixture and sauce. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon in half of pasta mixture; sprinkle with 1/2 cup Comte cheese. Top with remaining pasta mixture and 1/2 cup Comte cheese. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in small skillet. Add breadcrumbs and toss to coat. Remove from heat; mix in 1/4 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle crumbs over pasta. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Preheat oven to 350F. Bake pasta uncovered until heated through and bubbling, about 35 minutes. ******************************************************** Finnan Haddie 1 small onion, sliced and separated into rings 1 tsp whole black peppercorns 2 - 3 lbs smoked haddock, cut into individual servings 3 cups milk Place the onion rings and peppercorns in a heavy skillet. Arrange the smoked haddock pieces on top, then add the milk. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Transfer the fish to a serving platter and discard the milk, onion, and peppercorns. Serve with mustard sauce (see below). Mustard Sauce 2 Tblsp butter 2 Tblsp all-purpose flour 1 cup milk 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 tsp white vinegar 1 tsp Dijon-style mustard 1 tsp dry English mustard Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Heat the butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine thoroughly. Makes about 1 cup Serves 4 to 6 o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lindac (My Page) on Tue, Sep 21, 10 at 9:44 Oh my!! Finnan haddie....haven't had that in years and years....my mother made it a lot. I wonder where I could get smoked haddock in Iowa? o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by tomatobob_va7 (My Page) on Tue, Sep 21, 10 at 10:00 I copied and saved 3 or 4 of these and will stay tuned for more. I don't have a recipe to share, but here's one for MAKING your own mustard. I got brown mustard seeds from Penzey's. Spicy Guinness Mustard Our favorite mustard recipe uses brown mustard seeds and Guinness beer (which lends a malty character and hints of sweetness). 1 12-oz. bottle Guinness Extra Stout 1 1â„2 cups brown mustard seeds (10 oz.) 1 cup red wine vinegar 1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1â„4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1â„4 tsp. ground cloves 1â„4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1â„4 tsp. ground allspice 1. Combine ingredients in a nonreactive mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1�2 days so that the mustard seeds soften and the flavors meld. 2. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a food processor and process, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, until the seeds are coarsely ground and the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a jar and cover. 3. Refrigerate overnight and use immediately or refrigerate for up to 6 months. (The flavor of the mustard will mellow as the condiment ages.) MAKES 3 1â„2 CUPS This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #117 o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Tue, Sep 21, 10 at 12:48 Brilliant choice Rosewitch! I love mustard. I have more recipes to post, but my two favorites I don't have a recipe for. Mix dijon mustard, mayo and dill to taste and thin with a little water for a great salad dressing. Can add garlic or chopped parsley and chives if you are so inclined, and a drop of honey if you are sensitive to the tang of mustard. Mom's famous potato salad is made with grainy dijon mixed with mayo and dill for the dressing. I do ham roll ups with thin shaved ham and swiss cheese, romaine lettuce leaves, mayo and dijon mustard mixed with some fresh herbs--dill, parsley, oregano, marjoram, savory, tarragon, chervil, whatever you like but don't overdo it. Roll up and slice into pinweels and get raves at a party--mmm, what's in these? Put mustard on a grilled cheese made with lowfat cheese, to make up for their generally bland taste. Same with pasta sauces made with lowfat cheese, add a dab of mustard. o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by bunnyman (My Page) on Tue, Sep 21, 10 at 13:21 Dave's Habenera Mustard. I gave a jar to a friend and she was eating it straight from the jar. Pretty much that good! So not a fancy recipe but it is quick and easy. : ) lyra o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by bunnyman (My Page) on Wed, Sep 22, 10 at 14:00 Oh... I forgot! I spread dijion mustard on raw salmon. Then I wrap it up in parchment paper and nuke it. One of my favorite quick meals as a frozen portion of salmon is ready to eat after about 3 minutes of nuking. The mustard flavor blends with the salmon leaving no distinct mustard flavor but it also takes the fishy edge off leaving the salmon sweet and mild. It works in a covered microwave dish as well but parchment paper is disposable. o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Thu, Sep 23, 10 at 10:35 Tomatobob, can you type out your measurements so they show us as numbers? I was hoping someone would post a recipe for making your own mustard. I think that would be fun. That Cheesy Baked Penne with Cauliflower recipe looks good, if not a teeny bit fattening, lol. it might be a way to get some veggies down my DIL. What's the asterisk by the creme fraiche* symbolize? I'll have to research to find mustard recipes to share. Sally o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by caliloo (My Page) on Thu, Sep 23, 10 at 10:45 LOL Sally - I had to go back to the original recipe on Bon Appetit to check what the asterisk is for..... "*Sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores." I guess I should remove the asterisk from my copy LOLOLOL! Alexa o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by beverlyal (My Page) on Thu, Sep 23, 10 at 11:25 Pork Tenderloins With Gargonzola Sauce Adapted from Camille's - Key West, FL Pork 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon dried thyme 2 3/4-pound pork tenderloins Gorgonzola sauce 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon all purpose flour 1 cup whipping cream 1/4 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup canned low-salt chicken broth 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (about 4 ounces) Preheat oven to 425 F. Whisk Dijon mustard, olive oil and thyme in small bowl to blend. Sprinkle pork tenderloins with salt and pepper. Heat large, well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat. Add pork and sear until brown all over, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes. Spread Dijon mustard mixture over all sides of pork. Roast pork in preheated oven until thermometer inserted into thickest part of meat registers 140-145F, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare sauce: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon flour and whisk 1 minute. Gradually whisk in whipping cream, white wine and chicken broth. Boil until mixture is thick enough to coat spoon, whisking frequently, about 1 minute. Add crumbled Gorgonzola and whisk until cheese is melted and smooth and sauce is reduced to desired consistency, about 5 minutes. Slice pork and transfer to plates. Ladle some sauce over pork. Serve, passing additional sauce separately. Beverly o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by rosewitch (My Page) on Thu, Sep 23, 10 at 11:48 I'm madly copying and pasting! I will be using up those jars like crazy now. Looks like some great cooking and eating will be happening in my kitchen in the coming months. Kat o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by booberry85 (becky@leadsafe.us) on Thu, Sep 23, 10 at 22:16 Here's another one to try: Scallops Oriental This recipe comes from the American Heart Association Cookbook, editor Mary Winston. Serves 8. Ingredients Vegetable oil spray 2 lbs fresh or frozen scallops 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup prepared mustard 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 8 lemon wedges as garnish, optional Preheat broiler. Lightly spray a baking pan with vegetable oil. Rinse fresh scallops in cold water and drain, or thaw and drain frozen scallops. Place in the baking dish. In a sauce pan, combine honey, mustard curry powder and lemon juice. Brush scallops with sauce. Broil 4 inches from heat for 5-8 minutes or until browned. Serve over rice and garnish with lemon wedges. o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by pat_t (My Page) on Sat, Sep 25, 10 at 7:09 Got this in an old issue of Gourmet. It took me a long time to appreciate eating fruit with meat. This recipe is really good. PORK LOIN WITH APPLES, PRUNES, AND MUSTARD CREAM SAUCE 1 (4 lb.) boneless pork loin roast, tied by butcher 1-3/4 tsp. salt 1-1/2 tsp. black pepper 1 Tblsp. olive oil 2 Granny Smith apples (3/4 lb. total) 1 large onion, chopped 1/2 cup packed dried pitted prunes (sometimes called dried plums; 4-1/2 oz.), quartered 1-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (12 oz.) 3/4 cup water 1/2 cup heavy cream 2 Tblsp. coarse-grain mustard 1/2 cup dry white wine Put oven rack in lower third of oven and preheat oven to 375�F. Halve pork loin crosswise, then pat dry and sprinkle with 1 tsp. salt and 3/4 tsp. pepper (total). Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown pork, 1 piece at a time, turning occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes per piece. Transfer to a small flameproof roasting pan as browned (do not clean skillet) and roast pork until thermometer inserted diagonally at least 2 inches into meat registers 150�F, 40 to 50 minutes. While pork roasts, peel, quarter, and core apples, then cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges. Pour off all but 1 Tblsp. fat from skillet, and then cook onion in skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add apples, prunes, broth, and water and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in cream and mustard and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and keep sauce warm, partially covered. Transfer pork to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes. Add wine to roasting pan and boil over high heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits, until reduced to about 1/4 cup, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir pan juices into cream sauce along with remaining 3/4 tsp. salt and remaining 3/4 tsp. pepper and heat sauce over moderate heat, stirring, until hot. Discard string from pork and cut each half crosswise into 4 slices. Serve pork with sauce. Makes 8 servings. From Gourmet, February 2004. o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by stacy3 (My Page) on Sat, Sep 25, 10 at 10:33 oh Beverly, that sounds amazing. All of these do! I had to re-log in it's been so long since I visited but I'm glad that a thread about mustard called out to me! o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by chase (My Page) on Sat, Sep 25, 10 at 14:26 Mustard Yum! Honey mustard is a favourite of mine. Here are two recipes I love and make often. The Pantry Shelf�s Raspberry Vinaigrette 2 T Raspberry Vinegar 2 T Sugar 1 t Honeycup Mustard 1/2 t salt 1/2 c vegetable oil ( don't use olive oil) Mix first 4 ingredients in a food processor. With the blade still running gradually add oil. Store in the refrigerator. Palmiers With Honey Mustard And Prosciutto (Silver Palate) 1 sheet puff pastry -- 18 x 11" 3 Tbsp honey mustard 4 Ounces prosciutto thinly sliced 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated 1 egg 2 tsp water Place the puff pastry on a work surface and spread the mustard over the top. Arrange the prosciutto evenly over the mustard to cover all the pastry, and then sprinkle with the Parmesan. Lightly press the cheese into the prosciutto with a rolling pin. Starting at one long edge, roll up the puff pastry like a jelly roll just to the middle of the dough; then roll up the other side in the same fashion, making two rolls that meet in the center. Using a serrated knife, cut the rolls crosswise into 1/2" slices. Place the slices on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper and press lightly with your hands to flatten. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Beat the egg and water together in a small bowl. Brush the top of each palmier with the egg wash. Bake until puffed and lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by bostonpat (My Page) on Sat, Sep 25, 10 at 19:57 I found a link for the Guinness Mustard recipe - I have to make this! Here is a link that might be useful: Spicy Guinness Mustard o That Mustard Recipe clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by tomatobob_va7 (My Page) on Sun, Sep 26, 10 at 20:03 OK, here's the corrected mustard recipe. That's what I get for assuming that "block and copy" would copy what I had blocked! Today a friend and I cured our own pastrami, and I'm looking forward to using this mustard on pastrami and provolone sandwiches on pumpernickle. Yum. Spicy Guinness Mustard Our favorite mustard recipe uses brown mustard seeds and Guinness beer (which lends a malty character and hints of sweetness). 1 12-oz. bottle Guinness Extra Stout 1 & 1/2 cups brown mustard seeds (10 oz.) 1 cup red wine vinegar 1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground allspice 1. Combine ingredients in a nonreactive mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 2 days so that the mustard seeds soften and the flavors meld. 2. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a food processor and process, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, until the seeds are coarsely ground and the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a jar and cover. 3. Refrigerate overnight and use immediately or refrigerate for up to 6 months. (The flavor of the mustard will mellow as the condiment ages.) MAKES 3 & 1/2 CUPS o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by rosewitch (My Page) on Mon, Sep 27, 10 at 9:17 While doing some fall cleaning and rearranging of bookshelves over the weekend, I found a book that I read some time ago. I had totally forgotten that there was a story in this book about a county fair that included a Mad for Mustard competition! Of course there is a mystery in the story and the book is filled with lots of recipes using herbs and this story has lots of ways to use mustard. The book is now waiting in my kitchen for use very soon but I had to add some of the recipes to this thread. All recipes are from "Mustard Madness" one of the stories in "An Unthymely Death and Other Garden Mysteries" by Susan Wittig Albert. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pete Hitchen's Blue-Ribbon Beer Mustard 1 c dark beer 1/4c yellow mustard seeds 1/4 c brown mustard seeds 1-1/2 c apple cider vinegar 1 small onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 c mustard powder 2 T. ice water 1-1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp ground allspice 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp grated fresh ginger Pour beer over the mustard seeds and let soak overnight. In a non-reactive (glass or stainless) pan, place vinegar, garlic, and onion. Simmer until liquid is reduced by two thirds. Strain and chill. Mix dry mustard and ice water and let sit for 20 minutes. Stir in cold vinegar, salt, sugar, allspice, cumin, ginger, and soaked mustard seeds. Place in a blender container and blend until mustard seeds are coarsely ground, scraping sides often. Pour into a saucepan and simmer over very low heat 10-15 minutes, until it thickens. Cool, place in a glass jar with a tight lid, and let sit in a dark cupboard for 4-5 weeks before using. Refrigerate after opening. Makes about 1 pint. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Homer Mayo's Horseradish Mustard 1/2 c mustard powder 1/2 c hot water 1/2 c white wine vinegar or rice vinegar 2 tsp salt 1 T. prepared horseradish 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 tsp sugar 1/8 tsp black pepper 1/8 tsp ground allspice additional vinegar, if necessary Mix the dry mustard and water and let stand for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice. In a blender container, combine the vinegar, salt, horseradish, garlic, sugar, pepper, and allspice. Process until the garlic and horseradish have been pureed, then strain through a fine-meshed strainer, pressing out the juice from any pulp in the strainer. Discard the material in the strainer. In the top of a double boiler, combine the strained liquid with the mustard-water paste. Cook over simmering water for about 5 minutes, until the mustard has begun to thicken (it will continue to thicken as it cools). Remove from heat and allow to cool. If the mustard is too thick, thin it with a few drops of additional vinegar. Place in a glass jar with a tight lid, and let sit in a dark cupboard for 4-5 weeks before using. Refrigerate after opening. Makes about 1/2 cup. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Genevieve Schultz's Grilled Chicken with Rosemary-Mustard Marinade To make Mustard-Rosemary Marinade, combine in a bowl: 1 c vinegar 1/3 c olive oil 3 T. Dijon mustard 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 large clove garlic, minced fine 3-4 T. fresh rosemary, chopped, or 1 T. dried freshly ground pepper, to taste Marinate chicken (skinless breasts or other pieces) overnight. Grill, brushing frequently with remaining marinade. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Prissy Taggert's Spicy Sauted Veggies 1/4 c vegetable oil black peppercorns (5 for a mild taste, 10 for medium-hot, 20 for hot) 1 T. white sesame seeds 1 tsp whole cumin seeds 1 tsp yellow or brown mustard seeds 3 T. freshly grated ginger 1 red onion, sliced lengthwise 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/2 tsp cayenne (reduce or omit for a milder taste) 1/2 lb fresh green beans, washed, ends trimmed 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cut into strips 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded, cut into strips 1 cup sliced mushrooms 2 tsp lemon juice salt to taste In a wok or large nonstick skillet, heat oil, over medium heat. Combine peppercorns, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Add to oil and cover immediately, reducing heat to low. (Seeds will pop.) When seeds have browned (20 seconds or less), add grated ginger and onion. Turn heat to medium-high and saute until onions are translucent. Add turmeric and cayenne and saute for two minutes, stirring constantly. Add green beans, and saute until beans are bright green. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, then add bell peppers. Saute until peppers are slightly browned, then add mushrooms and cook 3-4 minutes longer, until vegetables are cooked but still crisp. Add lemon juice and salt to taste. o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by jude31 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 27, 10 at 14:40 Pork Roasted the Way the Tuscan Do This is a wonderful and easy technique for pork roasted inside a baguette with wonderful fresh herbs and of course garlic and olive oil! I'm sure this will become a favorite of yours too - it's great to bring on a picnic lunch! 2 teaspoons fresh chopped sage 2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon fennel pollen* 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pork tenderloin, trimmed 1 loaf crusty baguette 3-4 T Dijon mustard (opt) On a work surface, mince the sage, rosemary, pepper, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and fennel pollen together. Heat a frying pan over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil. Cook the pork, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes. If you like, at this point, you can smear the seared pork with Dijon Mustard before rolling in the herbs. (This step adds moisture to the meat which I prefer). Roll the pork in the herb mixture and set aside. Cut the baguette in half the long way and scoop out the soft insides. Brush the inside of the baguette with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Place the pork on the inside of the baguette so that the pork is completely enclosed. Trim off the excess ends of the bread. Tie the baguette, at 1-to 2-inch intervals, with kitchen string. Preheat an oven to 375�F. Place the pork on a baking sheet and roast until done, 155�F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, let rest 10 minutes. Remove the strings and cut into slices. Serve. Serves 4 Recipe from "Once upon a plate" jude o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Sep 27, 10 at 15:21 YEAH Jude!!!!! Congrats on the cut and paste. Great sounding recipe to boot! o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Thu, Sep 30, 10 at 7:53 I almost forgot this one which I must make again as it was so good! I found the recipe at Delia Online First photo taken while it was on the stove and second when plated: PORK STROGANOFF WITH THREE MUSTARDS Text from Delia Online: 'This is what I'd call a five-star supper dish for two people, with the added bonus that it only takes about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Serve it with plain boiled basmati rice and a salad of tossed green leaves.' Serves 2 Ingredients 12 oz (350 g) pork tenderloin 1 level teaspoon mustard powder 1 heaped teaspoon grain mustard 1 heaped teaspoon Dijon mustard 4 oz (110 g) small open-cap mushrooms 7 fl oz (200 ml) creme fraiche 1 dessertspoon groundnut oil 1/2 oz (10 g) butter 1 small onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced 3 fl oz (75 ml) dry white wine salt and freshly milled black pepper You will also need a 9 inch (23 cm) solid frying pan. First of all prepare the pork by trimming it and cutting it into strips 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 1/4 inch (5 mm) wide. Then prepare the mushrooms by slicing them through the stalk into thin slices. Now, in a small bowl, mix together the three mustards with the creme fraiche and, when you're ready to cook the pork, take the frying pan and heat the oil and butter together over a medium heat. Add the onion slices and fry them gently for about 2-3 minutes until they're soft. Using a draining spoon, remove the onions to a plate, turn the heat up under the pan to its highest setting and, when it's smoking hot, add the strips of pork and fry them quickly, keeping them on the move all the time so they cook evenly, without burning. Then add the mushrooms and toss these around to cook very briefly until their juices start to run. After that, return the onion slices to the pan and stir them in. Season well with salt and pepper, then add the wine and let it bubble and reduce slightly before adding the creme fraiche. Now stir the whole lot together and let the sauce bubble and reduce to half its original volume. Serve immediately spooned over rice. This recipe is taken from Delia Smith's Winter Collection. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 10 at 9:41 It's time for a new Cookalong. I got busy with getting ready for my kitchen redo. Would you believe that my mouse scroll wore out? Yup, I need to buy a new mouse. I blame it on the 1000's of pages of lighting fixtures I've been looking at. I just drew a name....ready? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Chase Sharon, pick the next subject, please. Post it right here and I'll get the new Cookalong set up. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 10 at 14:14 Ooops didn't see this until now....thanks to a little nudge from Nancy! I'm going to change it up a bit and pick a meat. We love PORK TENDERLOIN and have gone through my repertoire several times. Would love some new ideas. o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 10 at 14:28 Sharon, I've been staying away from meat, poultry, seafood and fish, so that there are no conflicts with religions or non- meat eaters. Any other ideas? Nancy o RE: /// Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 10 at 14:38 oh sorry, should have thought of that myself........ So how about HONEY ! o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 10 at 15:45 Honey is a good one!!!! Thanks Sharon. Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #36 ------ HONEY o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by seagrass (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 10 at 16:48 Here's a recipe using whole grain mustard in a silky, warm, crunchy potato salad that I found on Tastespotting. It serves 2, but I could eat it all myself lol. I like to make it as a side with grilled steaks. WARM POTATO SALAD WITH RED ONION, DILL AND WHOLEGRAIN MUSTARD (serves 2) Ingredients: 2 large waxy potatoes 2 Tbsp finely diced red onion 2 Tbsp good mayonnaise 1 tsp wholegrain mustard 1/2 tsp dried dill salt and pepper Method: Boil the potatoes, then place them in cold water to cool down. When cool enough to touch, peel and chop into large cubes. Add all the other ingredients and mix well. Check seasoning and add salt and black pepper to taste. Serve while the potatoes are still warm. seagrass o RE: Cookalong #35 - MUSTARD !!! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Mon, Oct 18, 10 at 20:13 My computer died on 9/17 for 3+ weeks so I completely missed this Cookalong. MUSTARD CHICKEN 4 boneless chicken breast halves 1/2 of a juicy lemon Salt and freshly ground pepper Butter or margarine About 1/4 cup Dijon-style prepared mustard 1/2 cup unseasoned fine dry breadcrumbs Squeeze lemon juice over both sides of chicken, then season with salt & pepper. Melt about 1/ 4 cup of butter and brush both sides lightly with butter or margarine and place in shallow broiler-proof pan. Roast in preheated 425 degree oven, turning twice, for 15-25 minutes or until just barely tender. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Spread the flat side with a layer of mustard; then turn breast mustard side down into a bowl containing the crumbs. Press with fingers to make a thin layer of crumbs over the mustard. Return to baking pan, crumb side up. Repeat with the other 3 chicken breasts. Drizzle the remaining melted butter or margarine (should be about 2 Tbs. ��" if not, melt additional) evenly over the crumbs. (I like to brush the butter on to get it even but it takes practice to do it without messing up the crumbs.) Set broiler about 6-7†from heat and preheat. Broil until crumbs are crisp and golden brown. Watch carefully that crumbs do not burn. Serve warm or cold.