Sweet Compound Butters Recipe 455

Steps:

• The recipe for all flavored butters is the same. Soften unsalted butter to room temperature and blend in the flavor ingredients with an electric mixer, beating at medium speed until completely blended (1 to 2 minutes). Use only fresh herbs and lemon or lime juice. Let the butter stand for an hour in a cool place, covered, so the flavors can develop; then refrigerate to harden. Before refrigerating, you can roll the butter into logs with wax paper; press it into molds to create stars or other shapes; create balls with butter paddles; or simply press it into ramekins for serving. Butter can be made several days in advance of use; or it can be frozen for up to three weeks. Wrap it very tightly before refrigerating or freezing, in double layers of plastic wrap and freezer bags, since butter absorbs other flavors and odors like a sponge. NOTES: Brandy Butter: First cream the butter until light and fluffy; then beat in the sugar a little at a time. When the mixture is very white and frothy, beat in the brandy and vanilla. Cranberry Butter: Great for pancakes and waffles. Honey Vanilla Butter: First cream the butter with the honey. Slowly add the whipping cream, beating constantly until the mixture is fluffy. Then add the vanilla. Strawberry Butter: We prefer this butter less sweet, but more sugar can be added based on personal preference and the amount of sweetness in the strawberries or preserves.

Steps:

• Add the butter to a large mixing bowl and beat with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until smooth. Add the jam, mint and salt and swirl in until partially incorporated. Roll into a log using a sheet of parchment, or pack into a ramekin, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Serve atop pancakes, waffles or French toast.