Bacon Marmalade

DIRECTIONS 1. Make the pickled mustard seeds: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add the mustard seeds and cook for 30 seconds, then drain the seeds into a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water. Transfer the mustard seeds to a medium bowl. In the medium saucepan, add the vinegar, salt and sugar and bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the mustard seeds and set aside to cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature overnight (or refrigerate for up to 1 week). 2. Make the marmalade: In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until browned, stirring often, for 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions, carrots and celery, cooking until the vegetables are tender, 6 to 7 minutes (do not brown the vegetables). Pour in the cider and the vinegar, increase the heat to high and cook until the liquid is thick, 7 to 8 minutes. 3. Stir in the maple syrup and molasses, cooking until the bacon looks glazed, about 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and move the skillet to a cool burner. Stir in the whole-grain mustard and 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of the drained pickled mustard seeds (save the rest for another use). Stir in the thyme leaves and cool to room temperature. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.