Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that will elevate your weeknight dinner? Look no further! This easy grape jelly and mustard sauce is a surprisingly delicious and versatile condiment that takes only minutes to prepare. Perfect for adding a tangy-sweet kick to grilled chicken, pork chops, or even as a dipping sauce for sausages, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that delivers big on flavor without the fuss. Ready to discover a new favorite? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grape jelly (seedless or with seeds, your preference!)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the grape jelly, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Gentle Heating: Stir the mixture constantly until the grape jelly is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil; a gentle simmer is all you need.
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Simmer and Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add more vinegar for extra tang, mustard for more zip, or a touch more jelly for extra sweetness.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. This easy grape jelly and mustard sauce is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Sweet and smoky: For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Fruity twist: Try substituting a different type of jelly, such as cherry or blackberry, for a unique flavor profile.
- Herbs and spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of ground cinnamon for a warm, comforting twist.
- Make it ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields roughly 1 cup of sauce. Nutritional information will vary slightly based on the specific brands of ingredients used. This is an approximation and should not be considered a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
- Calories: Approximately 60-70 per tablespoon
- Fat: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Mostly from sugars in the jelly
This easy grape jelly and mustard sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's so simple to make, yet it adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests with a unique and delicious homemade condiment, this recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!