Recipe: Flavored Butters

Here's an easy peasy recipe idea that will make you feel like a gourmet chef of a ritzy restaurant. Flavored butters are a great way to infuse fresh flavors (sweet or savory) into butter for a memorable condiment and a delicious ingredient in your cooking. Take the recipe idea and adjust it however you like, trying it with your favorite fresh herbs or fruits and preserves. Serve it with fresh breads and muffins at your next brunch or dinner party and watch everyone swoon. Bing Cherry Honey Butter 1 cup softened unsalted butter 2 tablespoons Bing cherry jam 1 tablespoon honey pinch of salt Directions In a stand mixer, whip the ingredients together for about 20 seconds, or until color is mostly even. (Some marbling looks great.) Use a spatula to scoop the butter onto a large rectangle of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic around the butter, forming it into a sausage shape. Place the butter in the freezer until solid. Use an ice cream scoop to create pretty curls, or serve in pats on a butter dish with your favorite muffins and breads. Lemon Basil Garlic Butter 1 cup softened unsalted butter 1 clove fresh garlic 1 handful (about 12 leaves) fresh basil zest of 1 lemon pinch of salt Directions Take the fresh garlic and rub it all around the bowl of a stand mixer, then discard. Chop basil into small pieces, then add it to the mixing bowl with the softened butter, lemon zest and salt. Whip the ingredients together for about 20 seconds, or until herbs are evenly dispersed. Use a spatula to scoop the butter onto a large rectangle of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic around the butter, forming it into a sausage shape. Place the butter in the freezer until solid. Use an ice cream scoop to create pretty curls, or serve in pats on a butter dish with your favorite muffins and breads.