The CookingBites Spice Challenge - Spice of the Month (June 2017): Mustard

[Morning Glory]

Here are the prizes on offer (choose one):

Oxo Good Grips Mandolin


KitchenCraft Swedish Rosette Iron Set


Plus the bonus prize:

 

[epicuric]

Its judgement time. This is the most difficult challenge I've ever had to judge (including the Recipe challenge and challenges on other forums!). There were over 15 recipes submitted (2 of which need posting separately as Recipes, @epicuric ) and lots of interesting tips and tricks for how to use mustard. As a lover of mustard I wanted to try every single one of them!

I can't mention every single recipe or idea or this post would go on forever - but here are some which stood out:

• Swiss Chard Saag Aloo from @Elawin. I love swiss chard and this recipe is a classic Indian dish.
• Bombay Potatoes from @Yorky. A beautifully simple recipe which really showcases mustard seeds. This is one that I tried out, as did @The Late Night Gourmet with excellent results.
• Two recipes for making home-made mustard: Sweet, Hot & Sour Mustard Sauce from @SatNavSaysStraightOn and Stout Mustard from @Elawin. Bravo to both of these recipes. I have yet to try making my own but it is on my to do list!
• Baked beans from @Cinisajoy. Another lovely simple idea which I tried out (as did @epicuric). I used super-hot mustard in mine and I'll certainly be making this again.
• A comforting 'vintage' recipe with two versions from @SatNavSaysStraightOn: Leek and Potato Crust Pie (Vegetarian Version) and Leek and Potato Crust Pie (Vegan Mustard Version). These recipes use potato pastry which is something I've never made, so again, this is on my ever growing 'to do' list.
• Hot Burgers from @epicuric. I made these yesterday (sorry no photo - but they look like burgers!). This is a lovely simple recipe which really does pack a punch.

The final shortlist:
Swiss Chard Saag Aloo from @Elawin
Bombay Potatoes from @Yorky
Hot Burgers from @epicuric

In the end I have chosen Hot Burgers, mainly because the recipe took my quite by surprise by combining Marmite, horseradish and English hot mustard. This is something I would not have thought of doing and it really does work. Congratulations @epicuric! I will post up the choice of prizes separately.

A big thanks to everyone who joined in the challenge. The new Spice of the Month will be coming soon.

Thank you so much @morning glory - I didn't even know this was a competition! It is the first time I have entered, and thought it was more like the cookalong. It has been a great thread, and I have picked up many new ideas from the other entries. Congratulations to all the other entrants and I hope the next episode will be as well supported.

 

[epicuric]

Here are the prizes on offer (choose one):

Oxo Good Grips Mandolin
View attachment 8631 View attachment 8632 View attachment 8634

KitchenCraft Swedish Rosette Iron Set
View attachment 8635 View attachment 8633

Plus the bonus prize:
View attachment 8636

Second surprise of the day - there is also a prize!

Well, you know I have a physical aversion to mandolins - my fingertips are trembling even looking at that photo. I think I have the Strawbridge book somewhere, and I have no cattle that need branding, so it is a toss up between the Indian and the Syrian books. Both appeal equally, so would you be so good as to choose for me please?
Thank you very much

 

[Yorky]

.....and I have no cattle that need branding....

That's exactly what I thought when I saw them. And I agree with your decision on the mandolin; I took a lump out of my finger trying to play one.

 

[Morning Glory]

I think you will enjoy the Syrian book, @epicuric. It will be winging its way to you in a few days time along with the mustard.

 

[epicuric]

I think you will enjoy the Syrian book, @epicuric. It will be winging its way to you in a few days time along with the mustard.

Thank you!

 

[Elawin]

Congratulations @epicuric

 

[epicuric]

The Syrian book arrived on Thursday, thank you! Most of the recipes are completely new to me, but most of the ingredients I am familiar with from time spent in Cyprus - I am looking forward to cooking some of the recipes when I go back in September.

Already the book has inspired a much lighter than usual Sunday lunch for tomorrow - will post pics then.