If you'd like a delicious alternative to conventional butter, why not try your hand at making compound butters? Compound or flavored butters are butters mixed with a variety of ingredients to add additional flavor such as herbs and spices, flavor extracts, or even nuts. The possibilities are unlimited. Plus, compound butters make elegant and inexpensive gifts and are an elegant taste touch for a dinner party or appetizer table.
Compound, flavored butters are so simple to make. Simply warm your chosen butter to room temperature. Once the butter is soft, you can add the additional flavoring ingredients. If you're in a hurry and are making large quantities, you can use a blender or food processor to make the mixing process faster and easier. Your butter should be allowed to set for several hours on the counter to meld the flavors together before serving. Be sure to keep your flavored butters refrigerated after using them.
What kind of flavors can you add to your compound butter? There are an infinite variety of possibilities. Here are some ideas for flavor combinations to make tasty flavored butters. Use these ideas to spark fresh new combinations of your own:
Powdered Garlic
Sometimes simpler is better and a garlic compound butter if the perfect accompaniment for spaghetti and Italian bread.Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic.
A touch of red pepper gives this butter an exciting spicy undertone. Amaretto Coffee Syrup
Add a few drops of amaretto coffee syrup to your butter to make a deliciously sweet, dessert butter. Be careful not to add too much coffee syrup as this can cause the butter too be too runny.Grated Parmesan Cheese
Cheese and butter mixed together makes a delicious blend for hot dinner rolls.Honey and Orange Zest
This is a sweet and satisfying taste blend. Try it on a waffle or French toast.Lemon Zest, Honey, and Fresh Parsley
This combination tastes light, sweet, and delicious.Chili Powder, Lime Juice, and Honey
If you like spicy with just a hint of sweet, this combination is for you.Lemon Zest, Dill Weed, and Honey.
This tastes light, fresh, and creamy.Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own compound, flavored butter variations. Pretty soon your friends will be begging you to share your unique recipes for flavored butters. It can be your secret. You don't have to tell them a thing.
