COMPOUND BUTTER

What exactly is compound butter? It is softened butter, whipped with various sweet or savory ingredients.

While the concept is simple, the potential flavor combinations are endless.

Pair scones, rolls, pancakes, waffles or cornbread with butters flavored with orange or lemon zest, maple syrup, honey or cinnamon. Pair meat, vegetables, fish and bread with butters mixed with herbs, spices, cheese or citrus zest.

I love to use seasonal herbs to make compound butter- today I am using chives and Chive blossoms. As the season progresses - i start to make small batches of various flavour butters - from thyme to sage and rosemary.

You can store in the refrigerator in a jar or into serving sized silicone molds.

Start with unsalted butter so that you’re able to control the amount of salt when you add the seasonings. That is particularly important with sweet compound butters. To achieve the fluffiest butter, you can whip it with a hand mixer. However, I typically take the route that requires the least amount of kitchen tools. Bowl and fork for me!

Once the butter is soft, blend in the sweet or savory ingredients.

But what if you don’t or can’t eat dairy? Coconut oil, which softens very easily and solidifies in the fridge, makes a great substitute.