Violet Mustard Recipes

VIOLET MUSTARD

Steps:

• Bring the wine, grapes and port to a boil in a medium saucepan. Boil until the liquid is almost gone and the mixture turns syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Puree mixture in a blender, then pass through a fine sieve. Set aside to cool. Add the mustards and stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.

VIOLET MUSTARD - TRADITIONAL FRENCH MOUSTARDE AU VIOLETTE

Steps:

• Bring the wine, grapes and port to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Boil until the liquid is almost gone and the mixture turns syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Purée mixture in a blender, then pass through a fine sieve.
• Set aside to cool.
• Add the mustards and stir to combine.
• Refrigerate until ready to use.

HOMEMADE MUSTARDS

Steps:

• In a nonreactive container, combine mustard seeds with alcohol (beer, wine, or sherry; according to recipe) and vinegar. Let sit 48 hours. Check periodically to make sure seeds are covered by liquid; add more if necessary.
• Transfer seeds and liquid to a food processor. Add remaining ingredients. Process until seeds become creamy, 4 to 6 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 1 week before using to let the flavors develop. The mustard will keep for up to 1 month.

THE ULTIMATE CROQUE MONSIEUR - BAKED FRENCH BISTRO SANDWICH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 4oo degrees F.
• To Make Bechamel Soubise Sauce --.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and sweat the garlic and onions over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring often.
• Add the flour all at once, whisking with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. Stir in the hot cream and cook, whisking constantly, for 5 minutes or until sauce is thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in the salt. pepper, nutmeg, Pastis, 1/4 cup grated Gruyere, fromage blanc, and the Parmesan; set aside.
• To toast the bread, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, turn and bake for another 3 minutes, until toasted.
• To Assemble the Sandwiches --.
• Brush Dijon mustard evenly on one side of half the toasted bread slices. Add a slice of ham to each, sprinkle with half the remaining Gruyere. Top with another slice of toasted bread. Slather the tops with the cheese sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining Gruyere.
• Bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F. Turn on the broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese topping is nicely caramelized. (You want the outside to be crusty and golden brown, and the inside soft and pudding-like).
• Serve hot, garnished with a thyme sprig and a tart little Cornichon pickle on the side. Variation: For a "Croque Madame", serve with a fried or poached egg on top (the egg resembles a ladies hat).

VIOLET CUSTARD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Divide the violet petals between 8 individual ramekins.
• Beat together the eggs, yolks, and sugar. Blend in the milk, vanilla, and sugar.
• Divide the custard among the ramekins and place them into a large baking dish.
• Add enough boiling water to the large baking dish to reach half way up the sides of the ramekins.
• Place the baking dish with ramekins in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
• The custard is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out almost clean.