Elegant and Easy Herb Butters
Herb butters are easy to prepare and add elegance to any meal.
They can be added to cooked fresh vegetables for a special
touch. For an easy summer treat, grill ears of corn for your
dinner guests and offer them several different butters for spreading.
If you need to take something with you to a dinner, simply
grab a loaf of fresh Italian or French bread and prepare a bowl or
shaped log of herb butter to wrap and present to your hostess.
Be sure
to use the best and freshest ingredients. To freeze
the butters you should chill the finished mixture, then
roll into a log shape. Double roll in foil, label and date.
Keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw and
use at room temperature.
Use the blooms of chives, rosemary, dill
and purple basil for a unique butter. Mince 1 cup of
flowers and add to 2 sticks softened butter, plus 2
teaspoons lemon juice for a wonderful treat.
Basil Butter
Combine 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup shredded leaves. Refrigerate at least
3 hours. Use on vegetables, chicken or fish. You can also use to cook scrambled eggs.
Sage Butter
Cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup minced sage leaves. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Wonderful
on seafood or chicken, on fresh green beans or hot bisquits.
Cilantro Butter
You will need:
2 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1/2 cup butter, soft
1/2 cup minced cilantro
1 tsp. lemon juice
Blanch garlic in boiling water for 10 minutes, remove,cool and peel, then mince. In
small bowl cream the butter and add other ingredients. Pack into small container and
refrigerate. This has many uses such as spreading on fresh warm tortillas,mini corn muffins
or baguettes.
Fines Herbs Butter
You will need:
1/2 cup soft butter
1 Tbls. chives
1 Tbls. parsley
1 Tbls. tarragon
1 Tbls. Chervil
Chop the herbs fine, mix with butter. Place in container.
This is great on most vegetables, fish or french bread.
Special Butter for Fish
You will need:
1/4 cup butter
2 tsp. lemon juice
dash of salt and pepper
2 Tbls. chopped fennel leaves
Combine and refrigerate. Can be used on baked fish.
Ginger Lime Butter
Ingredients:
Grated zest of 2 limes
1 tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tbsp. chopped fresh ginger
3 tbsp. lime juice
1 cup butter at room temperature
Salt and finely ground pepper
Place lime zest, parsley and ginger in bowl of
food processor or blender and process until pureed.
Add lime juice and butter-blend until smooth and light.
Add salt and pepper to taste, process briefly to mix.
Adjust flavor with more lime juice if necessary.
Transfer to container, cover and chill until needed.
Uses: Garnish/topping for grilled fish, chicken or veal.
Raspberry Lemon Herb Butter
Ingredients:
1/2 lb. unsalted butter
4 oz. fresh or frozen raspberries (not in syrup)
1 tbsp. sugar, or to taste
1 small handful young leaves of lemon verbena or lemon balm
Thaw the raspberries (if frozen), and pour off excess liquid.
All ingredients should be at room temperature. Blend butter,
sugar and raspberries until smooth. Add lemon herb leaves
to taste-process with other ingredients. Makes 1 1/4 cup.
Uses: Spread on muffins or breads and accent grilled poultry.
Horseradish and Chive Butter
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon horseradish cream
3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
Blend together. Butter should be at room
temperature, then chilled after mixing.
Uses: Try on grilled steaks!
Cumin Lime Butter
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, stick, softened
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon lime zest, finely grated
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground pepper -- to taste
Cream together the butter, cilantro, lime zest, garlic,
cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
Let the butter stand, covered, for at least 1 hour for the
flavors to develop. Uses: Spread on both sides of thick
flour tortillas (bought or homemade). In a hot skillet or
a preheated grill cook on each side of the tortilla until
lightly browned. Eat plain with rice and beans, or with
melted cheese. Also good on grilled poultry or fish.
Basket Ideas!
Even though butters are refrigerated you can give a fresh basket for someone recovering at home from an illness or operation,or someone returning from
a trip where the refrigerator may not be stocked, a housewarming present or a special anniversary. Place one or two herb butters, a baguette,dried pasta,
colorful napkins,chocolate,and even candles. Place in a nice wicker basket and you have a one of a kind, handmade gift!
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is editor of Brenda Hyde, a freelance writer,
cook, gardener and Mom. Growing and using herbs has become one of
her favorite things.
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