Word of the Day -- Mostarda

Mostarda di frutta (sometime also called only mostarda) is an Italian condiment made of candied fruit and a mustard-flavoured syrup. Commercially the essential oil of mustard is employed, which has the advantage of transparency; in home cooking, mustard powder heated in white wine may be used.

Traditionally mostarda was served with boiled meats, the bollito misto which is a speciality of northern Italian cooking. More recently it has become a popular accompaniment to cheeses.

Mostarda di Cremona or mostarda cremonese (from Cremona) is made with several kinds of different fruit, and is the version that typifies mostarda di frutta.