Many moons ago I made Guinness mustard. It was an experiment of sorts, and it actually turned out really well. Recently I went home to Panamá to visit family and friends, and taught my oldest sister how to make it. She was very impressed. I felt like a true culinary genius. Now, I guess I will have to teach her how to make my Irish cider tarragon mustard recipe. Making mustard is like magic. Well, really it’s actually chemistry but you know what I mean.
Chemistry without special equipment, or formulas is my type of science. Really, all you need here is a large glass bowl, a big spoon, and an immersion blender. Not too complicated, right? Homemade mustard is my new “experiment”.
The procedure is simple
Basically you are following the same mustard recipe procedure (as for Guinness mustard): mix, stir, wait, blend, eat. Easy! No need to worry about how to make mustard. The hard cider makes for an interesting taste. I need to experiment more with this ingredient. Also, with the tarragon, this recipe has just a hint of tarragon, so if you want a more pronounced tarragon flavor, just add another tablespoon.
And now for a history break…
Cider has been part of American history since early times. When the colonists arrived they planted apple trees from imported seeds. The apples prospered in the fertile New England soil. Soon there were more apples than they could possibly eat. Fermenting the extra apples to make cider was the perfect idea.
Although cider was not exactly an invention from colonial America, it does appear to have made its way from England. When the first Romans first arrived on English shores in roughly 55 B.C., they found the locals happily sipping on a cider-like beverage. Beer was actually more popular in England. The colonists found it difficult to grow the hops and barley. The New England climate did not favor this crop. Apples on the other hand grew a plenty.
Ahhh, Irish pubs
I fell in love with Irish cider on a trip to Ireland four years ago. It’s all I would order at the pubs. Irish pubs are so picturesque, inside and out.
You can serve this Irish cider tarragon mustard recipe with bratwurst, or bangers. Try it with roast beef, or ham for your next dinner party. It goes without saying that Irish cider mustard with tarragon is perfect on y0ur favorite sandwich. And here is an idea to entertain (no pun intended); make a big batch, and store in small jars to give away as gifts. Believe me when you tell your friends that you made mustard, they’ll be amazed. They’ll never believe how easy it really is.
Now some tarragon history
Now, since I’ve told you so much about apple cider, I think you should also learn a little something about tarragon. Tarragon, is thought to have been cultivated for about 600 years. It is native to Siberia and Mongolia. It made its way to Europe via the Mongol invaders during the 10th century. It is believed that St. Catherine of Sienna took tarragon to France from Italy during the 14th century.
Tarragon’s roots have a serpentine appearance. In ancient times it used as an antidote for snake and dog bites. There is an ancient medical treatise called The Doctrine of Signatures. It ascribes healing properties to certain plants given the shape of its leaves, or roots. Tarragon has also been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Make this Irish cider tarragon mustard recipe soon. It’s so easy and so delicious. This mustard will last in the refrigerator for months because the apple cider vinegar will act as a preservative.
Irish cider is tasty as an ingredient and a beverage.
From now on, you don’t need to buy specialty mustard anymore, just make your own.
If you want to explore some other Irish inspired recipes here are a few to try. One of my favorite soups is Irish potato leek soup with delicate flavors and it is so easy to make. Another comfort food is Guinness stew with tender chunks of beef and vegetables. Dublin coddle is a recipe that very easy to make with some really tasty flavors.
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Irish Cider Tarragon Mustard Recipe
The perfect way to dress up chicken, beef or salmon. The flavors of hard cider and tarragon go great together. This hard cider tarragon mustard recipe is easy to make, and will sure impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup yellow mustard seeds
- 3/4 cup brown mustard seeds
- 12 oz hard cider Irish cider
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp dried tarragon
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 6 cloves whole
Instructions
In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients together. Cover and allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator undisturbed for 24 hours.
*For a stronger tarragon flavor add an extra tablespoon of the herb.
Using an immersion blender mix thoroughly until it begins to thicken.
Place in glass containers and store.
Banu T
The interesting taste from the hard cider is great. Also, a more pronounced tarragon flavor is not always good for some. Thanks for the nice post.
Analida
Thanks for the tarragon tip Banu. I think a subtle tarragon taste is best. 🙂 Thanks for the five star rating.