Herbal Gifting

I decided to give my guests some holiday cash!  In addition to helping you make some herbal and edible gifts this Christmas, we are kicking off the holiday posts with a gift card giveaway.  Scroll past the recipe to find all the details.  And stop back for more recipes and entry reminders in the coming days.

Make a hand-made mustard and pair it with Herbal Honey for a perfect homemade gift.  They this sophisticated mustard that is very simple to make.

Tarragon Mustard

1/4 cup black mustard seeds

1/4 cup yellow mustard seeds

1/4 cup dry powdered mustard

3/4 cup cold water

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

Mix mustard seeds, powdered mustard, and water in the upper pan of a lined, glass or stainless steel  double boiler. Let stand at least three hours. In another stainless steel or enamel saucepan, mix the wine, vinegar, tarragon, and allspice and bring to a boil. Strain the liquid into the mustard mixture and blend well.  In the lower pan of the double boiler, heat water to boiling, then reduce heat to a simmer. Place the upper pan, containing the mustard mixture, on top. Cook, stirring, until the mustard is as thick as you like. It will thicken a bit more as it cools. Cover and refrigerate.

Mustard keeps for an extended time, so make ahead and give as a gift, just tell the recipient to keep it refrigerated and bring freshness into their winter cooking.

UPDATED to remove out of date information