Spiced Apple–Mustard Refrigerator Preserve

Spiced Apple–Mustard Refrigerator Preserve

A savory-sweet winter condiment made for cheese boards, pork dishes, and elevated sandwiches

Not every apple preserve needs to be sweet and not every jar needs to be jam.

This Spiced Apple–Mustard Refrigerator Preserve is a modern, savory-sweet condiment that bridges the gap between classic fruit preserves and bold pantry flavor boosters. With tender apples, whole mustard seeds, gentle acidity, and warm spice, it’s the kind of jar that quietly transforms everyday winter meals into something memorable.

Designed for small-batch preserving, this recipe uses the Hungry Artisan 8-Piece Canning Kit and requires no water bath, making it approachable, fast, and perfect for December cooking.

👉 Shop the Hungry Artisan Canning Essentials Kit →
https://thehungryartisan.com/collections/canning-tools

⭐ Why This Preserve Is Different

  • Savory-forward, not dessert-like

  • Whole mustard seeds add texture and depth

  • Balanced acidity cuts through rich winter foods

  • Refrigerator-safe — no pressure or water bath needed

  • Extremely versatile across meals and hosting

This isn’t a chutney. It’s not a jam.
It’s a finishing condiment, subtle, flexible, and endlessly useful.

Ingredients

(Yields about 3 small jars)

  • 3 cups apples, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

  • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 1½ tbsp yellow mustard seeds

  • ¼ tsp white pepper

  • ½ tsp salt

  • Optional: pinch of ground ginger for warmth

Instructions

1️⃣ Simmer the Base

In a saucepan, combine apples, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard seeds, white pepper, and salt.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and the mixture thickens slightly.

The mustard seeds should remain whole and lightly softened.

2️⃣ Jar with the Hungry Artisan Canning Kit

Remove from heat and allow the preserve to cool slightly.

Using the Hungry Artisan jar funnel, carefully transfer the mixture into clean jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.
Place lids using the magnetic lid lifter and secure gently.

3️⃣ Refrigerate

Cool completely, then refrigerate.
Keeps well for up to 3 weeks.

🍽 How to Use Spiced Apple–Mustard Preserve

This is a quiet powerhouse in the winter kitchen:

  • Spoon onto roast pork or pork chops

  • Pair with sharp cheddar, brie, or blue cheese

  • Layer into grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches

  • Add to grain bowls for brightness

  • Stir into pan sauces for subtle sweetness

One jar stretches across multiple meals, exactly the kind of preserve modern home cooks appreciate.

Why the Hungry Artisan Canning Kit Makes This Easy

This recipe highlights the strengths of your 8-piece kit:

  • Clean, spill-free filling with the jar funnel

  • Safe lid handling with the magnetic lifter

  • Perfect for refrigerator preserves and gifting

  • Encourages confident, low-risk preserving

👉 Explore the Hungry Artisan Canning Kit →
https://thehungryartisan.com/collections/canning-tools

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