NEW YORK - Michael Lomonaco, acclaimed chef and host of Epicurious TV, has tips for using Dijon mustard to give recipes a boost.
TASTY TURKEY: Instead of the traditional beef burger, try a honey mustard turkey burger. Whisk 1/2 cup of honey Dijon mustard and fresh mint in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Divide 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey and shape into patties. Brush both sides of patties with honey mustard glaze and grill. For added taste, brush pineapple with oil and grill. Layer the patty and pineapple. Makes four to five patties.
SWEET DRESSINGS: Add a flavorful dressing to a fruit salad. On top of a double broiler, whisk four egg yolks, 4 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl and cool. Whip 1/2 pint of heavy cream until peaks form and fold into cooked ingredients. Spoon onto your favorite fruit.
UNDER WRAPS: Forgo the bun and use a pie crust to wrap sausage for a party treat. Lay pie crust dough on a flat surface, and spread generously with Dijon mustard and 1/2 pound of sausage. Flatten the sausage with a spatula and roll. Slice the roll in 1/2-inch pieces and bake until golden brown.
BREAKFAST BITS: Sweeten your traditional breakfast with honey mustard-glazed bacon. In a small bowl, stir together 11/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of maple syrup and cayenne to taste. Arrange bacon slices in a pan and brush with the glaze. Broil until golden brown.
SEAFOOD SENSATION: Here's a different taste for fresh seafood salad. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1/8 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 pound fresh lump crab meat, one scallion and one celery rib, and toss. Serve on lettuce leaves.
