National Mustard Day celebration with four recipes from Waxing Kara

In the early days, we were open to suggestions for ideas on what to grow for the bees. One of my most revered beekeeping teachers told me how much bees love mustard. I added mustard to our wildflower mix and watched in amazement as the field quickly bloomed in bursts of yellow, and as the weeks passed, the yellow took over the entire area as I watched in awe. I walked away with two lessons: ask more questions about how a crop grows, and ask how that crop will impact the flavor of the ensuing honey.

Mustard is beautiful to grow but almost invasive and it makes for some lousy tasting honey.

When most people think of mustard, they think of the bright-yellow mustard usually squeezed on top of hotdogs at the ballpark or used for dipping gigantic Octoberfest pretzels. The versatility of the condiment often gets overlooked. So today, we hope to shed some light on more creative ways to use mustard in the kitchen.

Today is National Mustard Day, and why not celebrate with some of our favorite dishes inspired by the overlooked condiment.

Mustard, in the purest form, is made by grinding mustard seeds into a powder. The powder activates with water. What creates mustard we know today are a variety of mustard seeds mixed with liquid. Think honey and mustard for an amazing condiment. or these recipes use whatever mustard you like! Although, we do recommend expanding your flavor profile and staying away from processed plain yellow mustard. A nice Dijon Mustard or Spicy Brown tailors these recipes to your unique taste. We suggest taking your favorite mustard and mixing in a little of our Eastern Shore Honey to create that perfect honey mustard.

We created a whole meal, from appetizer to the main course, using mustard in some new fun ways!

Starting off the night, make these yummy pretzel bites with a honey mustard dipping sauce. Perfect as a finger food and great for dinner parties with kids!

Honey Soft Pretzel Bites with Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey Mustard Sauce with Soft Pretzel Bites

We love this recipe just the way it is. These pretzels are crispy on the outside, but tender and soft in the middle. Dipped in the honey-swirled mustard sauce is perfection.

Check out this recipe

Next, dress up a salad with this simple lemon honey vinaigrette. Mix together your favorite greens and salad toppings, plus whatever vegetables are in season. This dressing works really well with fresh fruit too!

Honey Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing with mustard in glass milk bottle with fresh salad on white table for National Mustard Day

Always remember a vegetable side! These roasted carrots taste just as scrumptious as they look. Heirloom carrots also bring you dinner party up to the next level.

Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots marinating

Colorful Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots

Made with a glaze of honey, garlic, and dijon, these Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots are a colorful addition to the dinner table. Mix in your other favorite root vegetables, like potatoes or parsnips, for a wide variety of tastes. The glaze we used would also be fantastic on Brussels sprouts or beets!

Check out this recipe

For the main course, this juicy honey mustard chicken is sure to please everyones tastebuds. Baking a whole chicken is easier than it sounds and perfect for when you have lots of guests!

Roasted chicken made with a honey mustard marinade and lemon for National Mustard Day

If you decide to try any of these recipes for National Mustard Day, take some photos and share them with us using #waxingkararecipes on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!