Sweet & Savoury Compound Butters

Have you ever mixed up some real butter with fresh herbs or seasoning to use on steamed veggies?  How about some sweet additions to butter for spreading on your morning toast or muffin?

Here are a few combinations that I like.  I hope they inspire you to try making your own compound butters!

Sweet Chocolate Butter

1/2 cup butter

1 cup icing sugar

1/4 cup finely grated, very dark chocolate (a microplane is recommended)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cocoa powder

A special treat to spread on muffins, croissants and other baked goods.

Tip:  Chill chocolate well before grating.  Measure the chocolate after it has been grated.

Cinnamon Vanilla Butter

1/2 cup butter

1 cup icing sugar

2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

Ideal as a spread for your morning toast or baked goods.  Consider adding a tablespoon of finely chopped pecans or walnuts.  Also yummy on steamed baby carrots, baked squash and sweet potatoes.

Mint Butter

1/2 cup butter

2 Tbsp fresh finely chopped mint

1 Tbsp icing sugar

Lovely on steamed veggies or as a spread on sandwiches.

Curry Cilantro Butter

1/2 cup butter

1 Tbsp fresh cilantro finely chopped
1 tsp curry powder

Good pinch of paprika

Dash of ground black pepper

A great flavour boost for cooked veggies or poultry.

The method for making each butter combination is the same.  Use butter that is at room temperature and simply mix the desired ingredients together until smooth.  If you are making a larger batch, try whipping the butter with your mixer.  It will be light, airy and expand in volume quite a bit!  Once finished, chill butter in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavours meld.  Overnight is even better!

Some of my other favourite ingredients to mix into butters are (individually);  Strawberries, apple, blue cheese, garlic, lemon, chipotle seasoning, brown sugar, creamed honey.... oh how I love honey butter!

The combinations are endless... have fun with it!