Patsy Smith, a graduate of Miss Hall's School and Smith College, has been making SchoolHouse Kitchen Mustard in her home in upstate New York for over 30 years. She has a “secret recipe” that was handed down to her with the promise that it only be used for personal gifts or for charitable purposes. Patsy has gained a loyal following of mustard lovers who have given thousands of dollars to charity in exchange for her mustard. Her SweetSmoothHot Mustard was the first product of SchoolHouse Kitchen. In 2006 Patsy launched her Bardshar Chutney, and in 2007 Balasmic Vinaigrette Basico joined the roster of specialty foods.

Patsy is an accomplished gourmet who has also enjoyed making homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods for her friends and family and for the benefit of charitable organizations. She is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and has taught cooking locally.

Patsy launched SchoolHouse Kitchen in order to make her gourmet food available to more people and to raise larger funds for educational organizations. Patsy's son, Christopher, of East Main Design & Development in Petaluma, CA, acts as design director for SchoolHouse Kitchen and her daughter, Wendy, is now President.

"I tried your mustard last night.
Delicious! Sweet with a sparkle of heat. Nice and creamy.
Very, very nice. I love it!"
—RAYMOND LEMIRE, FT. WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA