tasting party — mustards

a fun way to entertain is to offer a tasting party.  tastings, which usually last only 1 1/2 to 3 hours can be any day of the week or at any time of day.  some tastings might be better suited for evenings, such as a beer tasting.  whereas, a tea and honey tasting would be perfect for the afternoon.

tastings can be held at different times of the year, such as an apple tasting in the fall or a chocolate tasting at Valentine’s day.  recently, i was sent a variety of mustards from  https://www.deliciousmustards.com/ from Germany.  how wonderful to have such a large assortment at one online location.  the page is in German, but will translate immediately with a simple click.  the flavors of the mustards range from star anise and pink peppercorn to a horseradish mustard blend.

so, i am seriously considering having a mustard tasting party.  the mustards would be served with a variety of small finger foods.  i am planning on using small boiled fingerling potatoes, miniature finger sandwiches of turkey on pumpernickel bread, mini grilled swiss cheese sandwiches, and pretzels.  also, i will have a cracker assortment with cheese and sausage slices.

mustards have a wide range of strengths and flavors.  so, it is important to have a variety of foods that are bland, which will compliment and allow the zest of the mustard seeds to take the lead.  other accompaniments can also be offered at the tasting, for example:  an antipasto platter of olives, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and even raw vegetables.   arrange attractively on the table and let the party begin.