What Are Compound Butters?

A Compound Butter is  a butter mixed with more ingredients.  These ingredients are added by either chopping, pureed or mixed to change the color and or flavors of butter.  To make a compound butter you need to first soften the butter by whipping it and then ingredients need to be added and whipped into it.  A favorite of mine is to create 4 or 5 different compound butters and serve them with different breads as a great appetizer.  I usually taste the butter as I add in the extra ingredient till I get the desired flavor I want.  Here are a list of easy to make compound butters:

• Honey Butter:  I love this one!  Just whip that butter and slowly add honey till you get your desired flavor. YUMMMM.
• Paprika Butter:  This gives it a slight paprika flavor but changes the color greatly!  Its a great change to a regular butter.
• Herb Butter:  Simply add choice of herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, tarragon etc to butter.  If you add garlic to it and then roll the butter into a long roll cover it with plastic wrap and then cut small pieces and Then put it on a grilled steak!  Yum!
• Curry Butter:  Add sugar and curry powder to sugar.  Great alternative to add a touch of curry to anything!
• Orange Butter:  Add orange marmalade to the butter.  Excellent!
• Salmon and Dill Butter:  This is a great spread for bagels.  Mix cayenne, dill and chopped salmon.  Spread on plastic wrap and chill.
• Anchovy Butter:  Pound anchovies into a paste and mix with butter.
• Green Butter:  Combine spinach juice, celery salt, nutmeg and white pepper.
• Garlic Butter:  I like to use this as a liquid by simmering fresh garlic and butter together for 10 minutes. Strain and brush on anything!
• Maple Butter:  Combine maple syrup with whipped butter.  Yum!

These are great ideas to add to any meal or for a snack, appetizer or party.  You guests will be in awe!  Don’t forget to serve a nice variety of artisan breads!