Compound butters are the quickest way to a glossy, flavorful sauce. The French call them beurre composé. These flavored butters are a simple, behind-the-scenes secret that makes almost any food taste better. Start with the basic formula below and let your imagination run wild. Freeze any extra, since it keeps for a few months.
Basic Compound Butter
Ingredients
- 1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ tsp fine grain sea salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Mix the ingredients well with a fork. Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula once or twice so everything is evenly combined.
- Use right away, or place the butter on a sheet of plastic wrap, form it into a log, and roll it up. Twist the ends of the wrap to tighten, then refrigerate or freeze.
- Cut into slices and place on top of warm food. It will melt into a delicious sauce.
Variations
- Cranberry-Orange: Add chopped dried cranberries, orange zest, and a little honey for dinner rolls and biscuits.
- Sweet Heat: Add a few dashes of Maple Rum Chipotle Hot Sauce for roasted sweet potatoes and corn bread.
- Sweet Butter for Breakfast: Add cinnamon, orange zest, or other spices you like, using half the amount of sea salt. Use on pancakes, waffles, crepes, or French toast.
Classic Garlic Butter
Butter with fresh garlic should stay refrigerated and be used within about a week, or frozen.
Ingredients
- 1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ tsp fine grain sea salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Directions
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and set aside for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Spread on bread and bake to melt the butter into the bread.
Variations
Add some Parmesan cheese, sprinkle in different herbs, or stir in some lemon zest.
Recipes Copyright Deirdre Davis 2016 - 2026
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