Six mustard museum-inspired recipes

Six dishes showcase the versatility of mustard as a key (or minor) ingredient.

Yes, there is a mustard museum. The National Mustard Museum. We visited last weekend on a short Wisconsin road trip. The museum is a charming mustard-filled monument to one man’s obsession: former Assistant Attorney General of Wisconsin, Barry Levenson. How obsessed? Before giving up practicing law to devote himself “full-time to collecting mustards and mustard memorabilia,” he successfully argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court with a jar of mustard in his pocket.

Levenson opened his museum in 1992 and moved to its current location in Middleton, Wisconsin, in 2009 to accommodate his burgeoning collection. Besides housing more than 6,500 mustards from all 50 states and over 70 countries, there are countless bits of memorabilia—surprising, fascinating, clever and downright silly. Like this ersatz mustardpiece attributed to Diego Velaquez.

The museum is free, supported by the gift shop that is the entire first floor and is filled with all things mustard. The centerpiece of the shop is a tasting bar with a mustard sommelier. We tasted many mustards with the guidance of this knowledgeable woman and bought several. I’m sure at least one of them will be featured in a future recipe here. In the meantime, our visit inspired us to share six recipes that feature mustard. And if you ever find yourself in Wisconsin, treat yourself to a visit to the National Mustard Museum.

Lamb Burgers with Lemon Zest and Dijon Mustard

For us, Dijon is an absolute go-to mustard. Here, it teams up with lemon zest, garlic, fresh parsley and scallions to liven up this simple lamb burger. You’ll find the recipe here.

Dijon and Cognac Beef Stew

This dish uses two Dijon mustards—classic and whole grain. Another distinctly French ingredient, cognac, also flavors this rich, hearty traditional French stew.

Mushroom Chicken Stroganoff

Mustard (Dijon again) plays a much smaller, but vital, role in this wonderfully complex, layered and lighter take on classic Beef Stroganoff. Mushrooms help dial up the umami. Find the recipe here.

Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce

Here’s another French classic, made weeknight easy with a quick sauce of cream (or half & half), Dijon mustard, shallots and tarragon that transforms simple sautéed chicken thighs. Find the recipe here.

Lamb Chops with Dijon Mustard and Thyme

Dijon mustard adds a surprisingly delicate touch to these flavorful lamb chops, pan seared and finished in the oven. You’ll find the recipe—and some interesting background on American sheep production (did you know they’re raised in all 50 states?)—right here.

Blueberry Mostarda

Classic Italian mostardas are chunky fruit-based condiments that may use dried or candied fruits. All contain mustard, usually whole grain. Blueberries and whole grain mustard are at the heart of this tangy, jammy version. Spoon it over pork chops (as we did here), chicken, duck… or make a grilled cheese sandwich with it. Here’s the recipe.