GOLDEN TREASURES

Certain foods evoke pleasant, comforting memories. Ah, the joy of watching golden yellow pats of rich, dairy butter melted and oozing down corn on the cob. Each ear totally drenched with this liquid treasure, and the taste - well, let’s face it, fresh ears of corn were made by God so that we can enjoy the sensual pleasure of sight, smell and taste. Even butter melting in a perfectly baked potato, or an impressive stack of homemade pancakes is a delight. Now these are memories made in heaven and true “comfort” food. Even butter melted on a mound of mashed potatoes can take your breath away. Pure butter is a taste sensation all its own and richly deserves the oohs and aahs it invokes.

Flavored butter is coming into a tradition all its own. It adds dimension, change of pace, and additional interest and pleasure to any meal setting. Try some of these on anything that craves butter to make it perfect - from toast to that grilled ear of golden kernels.

Garlic/parsley butter:
Beat 1/2 cup firm butter in an electric mixer until it is the consistency of whipped cream.
Add 2 tbs. coffee cream, about 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley.
Not only do you get the taste, but the color - gentle and enticing!
**********************
Zesty butter:
Beat 1/2 cup firm butter in an electric mixer for about 3 mins. or until it has the consistency of whipped cream. Slowly add 2 tbs. cold, coffee cream, 3 tbs. prepared horseradish, and 1/2 tsp. salt, Beat until well-blended.
A bit of bite but a delight!
**********************
Keep in your Freezer butters:
Make these jewels when you have some spare time, scoop them with a small-size scoop, roll them gently, place on waxed paper, and freeze. Once frozen, they can be removed and stacked in plastic containers. Remove them about 20 mins. before serving. You will always have some “taste sensations” stashed away to surprise and delight unexpected guests.
Use 1/4 lb. butter, blended in a electric mixing bowl until smooth. Just add:
2 tbs. minced chives and 2 tbs. minced parsley or
1/4 cup finely chopped salad shrimp and 1 tbs. lemon juice or
3-4 tbs. or your favorite finely chopped herbs.
Great on vegetables or noodles.
***********************
Especially for sweet corn lovers:
In small bowl, with wooden spoon beat 1/2 cup softened butter, 2 tbs. salt, 1 tsp. chili powder, and 1/4 tsp. pepper until well blended.
or
substitute 2 tsp. chopped chives for the chili powder
or
substitute 1 tsp. finely chopped dillweed for the chopped chives or chili powder.
Variety is the spice of life!
*********************
Muffin oast/bagel butters:
1/2 lb. unsalted butter (2 sticks) at room temperature, 1/2 cup ripe, fresh strawberries or raspberries
In an electric mixer, blend butter and berries until very smooth. Adjust the coloring with a few drops of food coloring for added appeal. Place in a pretty small glass bowl and refrigerate to harden. Serve as a special breakfast treat.
********************
Pancake Delight -
4 tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup real maple syrup (not imitation)
In an electric mixer, combine the butter and syrup until thoroughly blended. Refrigerate until serving time.
See the surprise on everyone’s face when they have the 2 “pancake” flavors together.
*******************
Experiment and try different herbs and spices. Flavored butter is great on popcorn, too for snack time. However you use flavored butters,
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June 1