Homemade Herb Butter

Herb Butter Have you ever been to a restaurant that had really flavorful butter? Maybe even the fancy square they put on steaks, that melts and spreads those wonderful herbs and seasonings? Sometimes you just want more than “butter” in your sauces, or on your toast, rice, or potatoes. Why spend extra money when you can make it at home, with ingredients in your spice cabinet? Here’s a quick how-to guide! Items Needed:

• 1 stick of butter
• Herbs/seasonings (garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, etc)
• Small bowl
• Plastic wrap or wax paper

Directions: 1. Let your butter sit on the counter until it has softened. (In a hurry? Heat in the microwave on 50% power for a few seconds at a time until it’s soft) 2.Add butter to the bowl and mash it up with a small spoon or spatula. 3.Add your chosen herbs and/or spices. Note: I would suggest adding small amounts, say a 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until you get a feel for how strong the flavor will come through. You can always add more. 4.Mix the butter and herb mix together until blended. 5.Spread out a small piece of plastic wrap or wax paper and scrape the herbed butter into the center. Form/roll into a log shape, keeping it towards the center of the paper. Then twist the ends and fold underneath, storing in the fridge or freezer until needed. When you’re ready to serve the butter, gently unwrap the roll and slice as needed. If frozen, let it sit out for a moment before slicing it into pieces. And that’s it! You can use this very simple recipe for a variety of flavors and uses. My first two butters were used immediately in my house on toast pieces and in dinner’s mashed potatoes! I also love that I can make it ahead of time and put it away until I need it, especially with the holidays coming up. What flavor combinations will you be making in your house? Tips:

• You can easily make in larger batches and either store all in one roll or separate into smaller sections.
• Use fresh herbs if you have them available! Just be sure they are chopped finely.
• If you are making specific flavors for your dishes, use a permanent marker to write a few words on the outside to identify which is which.

Below I have come up with a few great Herb Butter recipes. Some of the amounts are different but the basic way to make it will stay the same. I hope you enjoy!! Please leave your own great herb butter recipes in the comments below so we can all try them out!

Italian Herb Butter

8 ounces sweet unsalted butter 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped 1 garlic clove, finely minced 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (optional)

Cilantro Lime Butter 

2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (slightly softened) 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro, packed 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice 1/4 teaspoon salt

Garlic Herb Butter

1/2 cup butter, softened 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 – 2 tsp parsley 1 – 2 tsp chives 1 – 2 tsp basil

Savory Herb Butter

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 tbls minced chives

1 tbls minced fresh dill

1 tbls minced fresh parsley

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/4 tsp salt

dash garlic powder

dash cayenne pepper

Lemon Herb Butter

1/2 cup butter, softened $ 2 teaspoons lemon zest 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley