Epicurean Herb Butter

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons basil, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons chives, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons tarragon or 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature (not margarine)

Recipe

• 1 place all the herbs, garlic, pepper, and butter in a small mixing bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until slightly fluffy. (or, you can do the mixing with a mixer or food processor).
• 2 place a 12" square piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work surface and mound the flavored butter in the center.
• 3 roll herb butter into cylinder shape within plastic, twisting the ends to compress the butter.
• 4 chill the butter in the refrigerator or freeze until firm.
• 5 use in vegetables: a pat of this butter in steamed vegetables really perks up the flavor! try adding to corn, rice, beans… let your imagination run wild!
• 6 use on grilled meats: add pats of herb butter on top of just-off-the-grill steaks. let steaks “restâ€? for 5 minutes before serving.
• 7 use to make garlic bread: spread softened herb butter onto 1â€? slices of italian bread. shake on some parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and broil until golden brown.