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Also known as finishing butter, or beurre composé in French, A compound butter is
butter that has been flavored by blending softened butter together with
various ingredients. These can be savory or sweet. The recipe for all flavored
butters is basically the same: soften unsalted butter 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.
These tasty butter spreads are ideal for tea bread, muffins, scones, and pancakes.
Flavored Butter Recipes - How To Make Flavored Butters:
In a medium-size bowl, whip 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) until fluffy.
Combine the softened butter and other ingredients (listed below) together until they are completely blended.
Tips for preparing Compound Butters:
- The butter must first be brought to room temperature and softened by
beating it.
- The flavoring ingredients must be very finely chopped or pureed. If any
extra liquid develops, it should be drained off thoroughly before mixing in
the butter.
- For the flavor to better penetrate the butter, allow it to stand at cool
room temperature for a few hours before refrigerating.
- Compound butters may be stored in freezer, tightly wrapped. Use a sharp
knife dipped in hot water for cutting the frozen butter.
Amounts below are guidelines - adjust to your taste. Let your
imagination be your guide!
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Chile Pepper Butter
1
chile pepper, deveined and seeded, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
Chive Butter
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Pinch fine sea salt
Chocolate Hazelnut Butter
Powdered cocoa to taste
Sugar to taste
1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped hazelnuts
Creamy Brown Sugar Butter
2 tablespoons
heavy cream
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Honey Butter
(This is a childhood favorite)
1/2 cup honey
Honey Fruit Butter
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed
orange juice
1 small banana
Kalamata
Olive Butter
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup pitted chopped kalamata olives
Marmalade Butter
1/2 cup marmalade (lemon, orange, or grapefruit)
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Raisin-Nut Butter
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts
1/4 cup finely chopped raisins
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed
orange juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Rum Raisin Butter
3 tablespoon raisins or currants
2 tablespoons rum
Sugar to taste
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Sweet Citrus Butter
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons grated orange or lemon
zest
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed orange or lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
White Chocolate Butter
2 tablespoons white chocolate, melted and cooled
Ground cinnamon to taste
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Fruit, Herb & Spice-Flavored Butter
Recipe courtesy of Ellen Easton's
Tea Travels™ articles and recipes.
1 cup unsweetened butter, room temperature
1/4 cup desired fruit, herb, or spice
Pinch of salt
Finely chop or process desired fruit,
herb, or spice. Mix together with the softened butter.
Blend in a pinch of salt to taste. Place in an airtight
container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2
days.
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