MMM Day 8: Maple-Basil Mustard

Well, it’s maple time and I just got in from collecting sap out in the woods.  The snow’s quite a bit deeper this year than last, that’s for sure.  In fact, in one spot I was really wishing that I had my snowshoes because I sunk in down to my knees and then toppled over.  BUT, Grandpa must have been watching over me because NO SAP was lost in the fall.  I repeat.  NO SAP WAS LOST.  It was a close call, but disaster was averted and all sugar water remained in my bucket.  As a bonus, I also came out unscathed (if Grandpa were around, he would agree with me on the bonus part).

I worked up a bit of a hunger while out in the woods, but thankfully, my mom had me covered.  She made this delightful Maple-Basil Mustard from the Maple Syrup Cookbook that I enjoyed with some pretzels.  Yum.  This morning she approached me with this cookbook and said, nonchalantly, “Oh, have I shown you this? It has a lot of maple recipes.”  My eyes jumped out of my head while I screamed – “Why do you hide things from me?!?!”  Over 100 delicious maple recipes.  It’s the mother-lode!  If you like maple syrup as much as me (and Buddy the Elf), I strongly recommend getting a copy of this book.  And if you don’t, at least make the mustard.

Maple-Basil Mustard (from the Maple Syrup Cookbook by Ken Haedrich)
1/3 c. yellow mustard seeds
2 Tbsp. dry mustard
1/2 c. water
1/3 c. apple cider vinegar
1/3 c. maple syrup
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried basil

Put the mustard seeds, dry mustard and water in a food processor and process for 30 – 60 seconds, until the mixture becomes think and grainy.  Let the mixture sit for about 2 hours (this helps release the bitter components of the mustard).

After a few hours, add the vinegar, maple syrup, basil and process until smooth.  There might be a few grains, but that’s ok.

Scrape into a double boiler and cook over simmering water for about 10 minutes.  Stir often.  Scrape into a bowl and cool.  Touch with more vinegar, maple syrup or salt as needed.  Refrigerate.  It will keep indefinitely.