Most people think of mustard as a condiment for hot dogs, sandwiches, or maybe a glaze for meats. But according to Brandon Collins, Unilever’s corporate executive chef and a certified mustard sommelier, this versatile ingredient can do much more – including making your chocolate brownies taste richer.
The Secret Ingredient: Mustard in Baking
Collins explains that mustard functions similarly to espresso in chocolate recipes: it doesn’t add a discernible flavor, but instead enhances the existing chocolate notes. Adding a tablespoon of either Dijon Original or Honey Dijon mustard to your favorite boxed brownie mix can give the final product a subtle depth of flavor that many will find surprisingly satisfying.
This isn’t just conjecture: many bakers already use coffee or even salt to bring out chocolate flavors, but mustard offers a new, unexpected approach. The umami notes in mustard deepen the overall sensory experience, without making the dessert taste savory.
Beyond Brownies: Exploring the Maille Variety Pack
The Maille Mustard Variety Pack ($20.96 at Amazon) includes four distinct flavors: Dijon Original, Whole Grain, Rich Country, and Honey Dijon. Each offers unique culinary applications:
- Whole Grain: Perfect for adding texture to potato salad or as a finishing touch on grilled fish. Collins calls these tiny mustard seeds “mustard caviar.”
- Rich Country: Ideal for spreading on sandwiches (ham and cheese, in particular) or as a marinade for chicken or steak.
- Dijon Original: Versatile enough for vinaigrettes (combined with red wine vinegar, shallots, and oil) and, as we now know, brownies.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about adding mustard to unexpected dishes; it’s about rethinking familiar ingredients. Many cooks stick to conventional uses for condiments. This insight from a professional chef encourages experimentation and demonstrates that even well-known foods can have hidden potential.
The trend towards elevated cooking techniques and ingredient combinations continues to grow, with chefs and home cooks alike seeking unique ways to enhance flavor profiles. Mustard, it turns out, is an unlikely but effective tool in that pursuit.
The Maille Mustard Variety Pack is available for purchase on Amazon. Whether you’re a serious mustard enthusiast or just looking to upgrade your kitchen game, this might be the next secret weapon you need.
