The Kitchen of Mirth presents
A messe of Mustard

Three Gentlemen of the ancient race of Redsbanks, (now called Highland-men, because they inhabite in the Mountaynous parts of the North of Scotland) these three having occasion to come into England, being at their Inne, had to their Dinner a peece of powderd Beefe and Mustard: now neither of them had never seene Mustard before, wherefore one of them demanded what Deele it was? the Host answered, that it was good sawce for their meate; Sawce said the other? it hath an ill looke, I pray let me see you eat some first, then the Host took a bit of Beefe, and dipt it in the Mustard, & did eate it: the Highland-man presently tooke his meat and rowl'd it in the Mustard, and began to chaw, but it was so strong, that it was no sooner in his mouth, but it set him a snuffing and neesing, that he told his Friends, (Ducan and Donald) that hee was slaine with the grey Grewall in the wee-dish; he bid them draw their Whineards, and sticke the false Lowne, (their host) hee pray'd them to remember his last love to his wife and Barnes, and withall to have a care to beware of the grey grewall, for the Deele was in't. But after the force of the Mustard was spent, the Gentleman left neesing, all was pacified, mine Host was pardoned, and Mustard was good sawce for powderd Beefe.

A Highlander at his table


  • A messe of Mustard. Source: Taylor, John. Taylor's Feast. London: Printed by J. Okes dwelling in little St. Bartholmews, 1638
Deele - devil; Grewall - gruel. The Sotsman's cry of lament has him warning his friends to beware of the grey gruel, for the devil was in it.

Mustard was a staple ingredient in the Middle Ages & Renaissance & mustard sauce (similar to our own spreadable mustard condiment) was one of the most popular accompaniments to beef. See a recipe for Mustard HERE.

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