Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard

Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard Recipe - Traditional Recipe from Finland

Region / culture: Finland | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard is a traditional Finnish condiment that adds a tangy and sweet flavor to any dish. This mustard is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations and is a staple at our holiday gatherings.

History

This recipe has been in our family for as long as anyone can remember. It originated in Finland and has been a beloved condiment during the Christmas season. The combination of tangy mustard, sweet sugar, and creamy texture makes it a perfect accompaniment to ham, sausages, or even on sandwiches.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of Coleman's dry mustard
0.5 cup of sugar
2.5 tbsp of potato starch (corn starch can be substituted)
0.5 cup of cream
1 to 4 tbsp of apple cider vinegar

How to prepare

In a heavy bottomed kettle, mix together the dry ingredients and sift them.
Add the cream to the mixture and mix well.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, constantly stirring and scraping the bottom, until it starts to bubble and thicken.
Remove the pan from the heat and add at least a tablespoon of vinegar. You can add more if desired, as the vinegar will make the mustard more sour and thinner in consistency.
Transfer the warm mustard into a bottle.
Store the mustard in the refrigerator.
Warning: Avoid boiling the sauce, as the potato (or corn) starch will thicken and become glue-like.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Use honey instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to constantly stir the mixture while heating to prevent it from burning.

- Adjust the amount of vinegar to your taste preference for a more or less sour mustard.

- Store the mustard in a sealed container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard alongside ham, sausages, or on sandwiches for a festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires constant stirring and monitoring to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Corn starch can be substituted for potato starch in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the mustard in a decorative jar or bottle for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard with roasted meats, cheeses, or on a charcuterie board.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the mustard in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard contains approximately 70 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard is a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and mustard.

Summary

Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard is a flavorful condiment that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Summary

Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard is a beloved family recipe that adds a tangy and sweet flavor to any dish. This traditional Finnish condiment is perfect for the holiday season and beyond.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard. The story of how I learned to make this special mustard goes back many years, to a time when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Helsinki.

I remember it was a cold and snowy winter day, just a few days before Christmas. My grandmother had been busy in the kitchen all morning, preparing for the holiday feast. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted ham filled the house, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As I sat at the kitchen table, watching my grandmother work her magic, I couldn't help but notice a small jar sitting on the counter. It was labeled "Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard" in my grandmother's elegant handwriting. I had never heard of this mustard before, and I was curious to know more about it.

"Grandma, what's in that jar?" I asked, pointing to the mysterious mustard.

My grandmother smiled and began to tell me the story behind the mustard. She explained that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. Grandpa had learned to make it from his own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on. It was a tradition in our family to make this special mustard every Christmas, and my grandmother had been making it for as long as she could remember.

I was fascinated by the idea of a recipe that had been passed down through so many generations. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make it, and she agreed, with a twinkle in her eye.

We spent the rest of the day in the kitchen, mixing and measuring, grinding and stirring. My grandmother showed me how to combine the mustard seeds, vinegar, sugar, and spices in just the right proportions to create the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. She taught me how to grind the seeds into a smooth paste, and how to let the mustard sit and mature for a few days to develop its full flavor.

As we worked together, I listened to my grandmother's stories of Christmases past, of family gatherings and holiday traditions. I learned about the importance of food in bringing people together, of sharing meals and memories with loved ones. And I realized that this mustard was more than just a condiment – it was a symbol of our family's history and heritage, a connection to our roots and our ancestors.

When we finally finished making the mustard, my grandmother poured it into a clean jar and sealed it tightly. She held it out to me with a smile, and I could see the pride in her eyes.

"There you go, my dear," she said. "Now you know how to make Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard. Keep the tradition alive, and pass it on to the next generation."

I took the jar from her hands, feeling a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own cooking repertoire, a reminder of my grandmother's love and wisdom.

And so, every Christmas since that day, I have continued to make Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard, following my grandmother's recipe to the letter. Each time I mix the ingredients and grind the seeds, I feel a connection to my family's past, to the generations of cooks who came before me. And when I taste the tangy, spicy mustard on a slice of ham or a piece of rye bread, I am reminded of the love and traditions that bind us together.

So, if you ever find yourself in my kitchen during the holiday season, be sure to ask for a taste of Grandpa's Finnish Christmas Mustard. I'll be happy to share a spoonful with you, and perhaps a story or two as well. After all, food is more than just nourishment – it's a way of preserving our history, our culture, and our cherished memories. And this mustard, with its rich flavors and deep roots, is a perfect example of that.