Flavored Butters~

Flavored Butters are so easy to make and we forget about doing it.  They last a good time in the refrigerator and they can also be frozen.  Once you get started you can use your imagination and create your own flavors. Just blogging about this makes me think of all the flavored butters I've made, and all the new ones and ideas and more~  When using flavored butter it can play a starring role to finish off that food that you are serving. After mixing, roll in parchment paper to form a log. You can wrap it in film and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.  When you are planning a special event, you can put the butter in any size molds to make a special presentation.  Use small heart candy/chocolate molds, animals for a children's event, stars for the 4th of July, Make a basil butter and a cranberry butter for you Christmas table, a Pumpkin spice butter for Thanksgiving. Use one larger mold for the center of the table. There is so much that can be done and how to present it.  Here are a few for you to make and I am sure they will spark some special tasty ideas for your own special recipes.

There are so many options to make when it comes to flavored butters. Use your imagination and take a chance and you will be surprised what you can create~

Strawberry Butter: Cook 1/2 cup strawberries and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves and liquid evaporates. Cool. Blend with 8 tablespoons softened butter. This is great on a homemade Morning Glory Muffin or a lemon poppy seed muffin or any muffin of your choice.  Toasted english muffin or a buttermilk biscuit right out of the oven~

Vanilla Butter: Blend 8 tablespoons softened butter with 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar, the seeds from half a vanilla bean, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.  Great on all muffins, scones and sweet breads~

Orange-Honey Butter: Blend 8 tablespoons softened butter with 1/2 cup honey, and 2 teaspoons orange zest.  Great on almost any muffin, biscuit, scone, toast, you name it~


Chipotle Lime Butter:  1 cup salted butter, 2 1/2 tsps. fresh lime juice, 2 Tblsp, Chipotles in adobo sauce.  Puree in a food processor or blender until smooth.  This is a "savory" butter and is great to make with garlic butter for a special garlic bread, put on a baked potato or top a nice grilled steak with.

Light and Lemony Dill Butter:  1 cup of salted butter, 1 heaping Tblsp. fresh chopped dill, grated peel from 1/2 of a lemon, freshly ground pepper, about 4 turns.  Mix until all ingredients are well blended.  Put on fresh grilled salmon, scallops or any fish.