From Our Pantry: A Look at Our Mustards

Mustard is one of those ingredients that rewards curiosity. Simple at first glance, it can add depth, brightness, and character to a dish while keeping the cooking wonderfully uncomplicated. That idea sits at the heart of the New Canaan Farms mustard collection, shaped by the culinary expertise of chef Laurel Waters.

Drawing on her French Cordon Bleu training and her deep connection to the flavors of France, Laurel approaches mustard as something far more expressive than a basic condiment. Laurel often describes mustard as “a vehicle for depth and character,” and she created this collection to surprise with bold ingredients that elevate the mustard rather than overpower it. Every mustard in the line follows the same principles. Clean ingredients, balanced yet bold flavor, and a thoughtful approach that bridges European culinary tradition with the relaxed, flavorful cooking of the Hill Country. This collection of culinary driven mustards was designed to push the boundaries of what mustard can be, blending influences from France, the Mediterranean, and the American Southwest.

Her Olive Rosemary Dijon Mustard began as a modern interpretation of a classic European staple, bringing together Kalamata olives and fragrant rosemary for aromatic richness and textural depth. Alongside it, the collection features Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Mustard with bright Mediterranean notes and concentrated tomato sweetness; Hatch Chile Mustard with a lively Southwestern profile that highlights New Mexico’s signature pepper; and Goat Cheese and Herbes de Provence Mustard, a creamy, herb infused blend inspired by the Provençal countryside.

These flavors grow naturally out of Laurel’s weekly creative work at The Laurel Tree, her destination restaurant in the Hill Country, where she builds seasonally inspired menus and continues to experiment with pairings and ingredients. Many of those discoveries find their way into the mustard jars she creates for New Canaan Farms, bringing fresh, chef driven creativity to everyday cooking.

Below, we introduce each mustard and the inspiration behind its distinctive flavor.

 

Olive Rosemary Dijon Mustard

A love letter from Laurel to both France and Texas

Drawing on her French Cordon Bleu training and her long connection to European flavors, Laurel created this mustard as a modern expression of a classic Dijon. Rich Kalamata olives and fragrant rosemary add both texture and aromatic depth. It is refined, savory, and wonderfully versatile.

It has paired beautifully with lamb, portabella mushrooms, and pork tenderloin in her restaurant kitchen, and I often use it to elevate simple weeknight meals at home.

This mustard was recognized nationally as a finalist in the Specialty Food Association Awards, an honor given to only three condiments in the country each year.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with Comté, Fontina, Swiss, prosciutto, and tart apples
• Brush onto lamb before roasting
• Stir into mashed potatoes for rosemary richness
• Spoon onto sandwiches for a gourmet touch

Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Mustard

Bright, sun kissed, and Mediterranean

This mustard leans into Laurel’s love of Mediterranean ingredients. Sun dried tomatoes bring natural sweetness, and basil adds fragrance without overpowering the mustard base. It is lively, balanced, and the perfect way to turn simple lunches into something a little more special.

Serving Ideas

• Spread on sandwiches with chicken, turkey, or prosciutto
• Stir into pasta salad
• Pair with cheeses and charcuterie
• Brush onto grilled chicken

Hatch Chile Mustard

Distinctly Southwestern with the perfect smoky warmth

Laurel wanted something that honored the flavors of the Southwest, and this mustard does exactly that. New Mexico Hatch chiles add smoky heat, while the clean mustard base keeps everything bright and balanced. It is a favorite on charcuterie boards and grilled meats.

Serving Ideas

• Spread on sandwiches or burgers
• Pair with cheeses and cured meats
• Stir into sauces or dressings
• Brush onto grilled chicken or pork

Goat Cheese & Herbes de Provence Mustard

Creamy, elegant, and inspired by the Provençal countryside

This mustard feels luxurious, with creamy goat cheese, a hint of honey, garlic, and the floral notes of Herbes de Provence. It is one of our most unique blends and brings a French inspired touch to both everyday meals and special occasions.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with charcuterie and crusty bread
• Use as a dipping sauce for chicken or pork
• Spread on sandwiches
• Stir into vinaigrettes

 

Texas Pride Jalapeño Mustard

A Hill Country classic with gentle heat

This long time favorite from our kitchen gets its subtle kick from mild jalapeños. It is smooth, creamy, and incredibly versatile. A little sweet, a little spicy, and beloved by families all across Texas.

Serving Ideas

• Spread on sandwiches or burgers
• Pair with cheddar or gouda
• Serve alongside chicken or pork
• Stir into potato salad or deviled eggs
  
  

Balsamic Dijon Mustard

Where Italy and France meet in one harmonious blend

Laurel combined rich balsamic vinegar with classic Dijon to create a mustard that is tangy, smooth, and lightly sweet. It is equally at home brushed over grilled meats or spread inside a simple sandwich.

Serving Ideas

• Spread on sandwiches
• Brush onto grilled chicken or pork
• Stir into vinaigrettes
• Pair with soft cheeses

 

Gourmet Raspberry Mustard

Sweet, tangy, and full of life

Ripe raspberries bring a bright fruitiness that makes this mustard wonderful with ham, turkey, roast meats, or picnic salads. It is also beautiful on a cheese board.

Serving Ideas

• Spread on ham or turkey sandwiches
• Stir into potato salad
• Serve with cold chicken
• Use as a glaze for pork

 

Country Wholegrain Mustard

Rustic, textured, and deeply flavorful

This is our elevated take on a traditional wholegrain mustard. The texture is hearty, and the spices are warm without being overpowering. It is a staple for roast meats, sandwiches, and homemade dressings.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with roast beef or chicken
• Spread on gourmet sandwiches
• Pair with sausages
• Stir into deviled eggs or potato salad

A Beautiful Way to Taste Them All

To make exploring these mustards even easier, we created a mini gift set featuring Olive Rosemary Dijon, Hatch Chile, and Goat Cheese & Herbes de Provence. It makes a thoughtful gift for cooks, entertainers, or anyone who loves discovering new flavors.

Sharing Laurel’s culinary talent through New Canaan Farms is one of the things we cherish most. Every mustard in this collection reflects her creativity, her training, and her love of ingredients that shine without complication. Our hope is that each jar brings something delicious and unexpected to your kitchen, whether you are cooking a quiet meal at home or entertaining friends around a table filled with good food.