Flavor Boost: Compound Butter

Compound butters are a wonderfully simple way to punch up the flavor in basic grilled meats. A compound butter is just butter mixed with seasoning that adds flavor. The flavored butter can be spread on warm bread or really topped on just about anything. I know I am sounding a bit like Paula Deen, but what doesn't taste good with a bit of butter?

 Ok seriously, compound butters are great on simple grilled meats. A steak  can be seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper then grilled and topped with tarragon butter at the table and it is easy and full of flavor. There are tons of recipes out there for them, but here are a few of my favorites.


The procedure for making the butter is the same for all of them. Mix the butter with the rest of the ingredients until well combined. Place the butter on a square of wax paper and roll up like a tootsie roll. Place in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. Slice off small round of butter to top grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.

Tarragon Butter

1 stick of butter- softened
1/3 cup of finely chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt



Butter à la Maître d’Hôtel  - Also great on rolls


1/4 pound butter
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

One of the most famous seasoned butters.


Chive Butter - great on potatoes or rice

1 stick of butter
2 Tbls. fresh chives, chopped
1 Tbls. thyme leaves, chopped
salt
freshly cracked black pepper
 
Basil Butter - wonderful on pasta and much better for you than Pasta Roni
 
1 stick of butter
3 tbls olive oil
1/4 cup of finely chopped basil
2 tbls minced garlic
salt
freshly cracked pepper
 
 
 
The possibilities are really endless with what you can mix. Here are a few other ideas that I have seen posted around the web.
 
Lemon and dill butter for fish,  Chili lime for corn and Chardonnay Shallot. Some great ones for pancakes and waffles include , Honey Pecan, Orange Honey, Sweet cinnamon and Cranberry orange.
 
What flavors will you try?