Chefs: Making Butter Better

Posted

orner Chefs: Making Butter Better (NAPSA)—Chefs are spreading the word that there may be a way to make butter even better: flavor it. Flavored butters are easy to prepare and can makeyour family brunch or special celebration even more enjoyable—and whenthey’re served out of crocks, the butters can be enjoyed virtually anytime. Try these delicious flavor ideas: Apple-Cinnamon Butter Add 2 oz. dried apple, % tsp. cinnamon, 1 tbsp. brown sugar to % cup (1 stick) unsalted and softened butter. Mix all ingredients in food processor until well-com- bined. Serve with fresh scones, muffins or other breakfast breads. Roasted Hazelnut Butter Roast 4 oz. fresh hazelnuts in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Remove skin from nuts and coarsely chop them. Mix nuts and M% tsp. lemon zest with % cup (1 stick) unsalted and softened butter until well-combined. Great served on country bread with afternoontea! Cranberry Butter Mix % cup fresh or frozen cranberries and %4 cup maple syrup with 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted and softened butter. Be sure not to over-mix or butter will turn pink. Place half the mixture in the butter crock and serve. Refrigerate remaining portion until ready to use. Scrumptious spread for warm waffles and pancakes. BananasFoster Butter Whip together % cup (1 stick) unsalted and softened butter, % large mashed banana, ) tbsp. cin- oe 4 Mbase Fi *Beurre i! ‘1E. Pa Keeping butter in a bell- shaped crock can keep it fresh and easy to spread. namon, 2 tbsp. brown sugar and % tbsp. banana liqueur until completely blended. Serve with French Toast or pancakes. Manyprofessional chefs recommend a French-style ceramic crock to store and serve butter. That helps the butter keep its rich, creamy taste and makesit easy to use and spread. The design of the original butter crock, like the Butter Bell crock, dates back to French chefs of the middle ages who used the crocks to keep butter from spoiling. The Butter Bell crock creates an airtight seal of water that cools and softens the butter. The only maintenance required is to change the small amount of water every three days. The product can make a great gift for a favorite dinner party host or virtually anyone wholoves to cook and servefood. It’s available at selected houseware, specialty and gourmet outlets, or can be ordered by calling 1-888-575-1900, or visiting the Web site www.butterbell.com.