Growing Culinary Herbs – How to Make Herb Butter

Many herb enthusiasts will tell you that growing your own herbs is by far, one of the most rewarding hobbies around. Herb plants are one of the easiest plants to grow, however, they do require a little bit of work, but the rewards are delectable. For many, the ultimate treat is harvest time when these delicious spices can be added to enhance the flavor of their favorite cuisine.

One of the most popular uses of herbs in the art of culinary cuisine is Herb Butter. Many varieties of herbs can give butter that extra zing of flavor that you just can’t find anywhere else. These scrumptious spreads can be used as a topping for potatoes, corn, vegetables, chicken and even bread.

There are a wide variety of different herbs which make for delicious herb butter. Chives for instance, give butter an added extra zing of onion flavoring. Rosemary is an excellent butter spread to top fresh bread dough and Dill gives butter an added extra flair.

One variety of herb butter that seems to be quite popular is Basil butter. This herb butter is very easy to make. First, add ½ cup of freshly shredded dried Basil to ½ cup of fresh butter. The tantalizing taste is great when added to your morning meal of scrambled eggs. If you are looking for some additional pizzazz, add a ¼ cup of Parmesan Cheese and a tablespoon of Lemon Juice to the Basil Butter and spread over a French bread loaf. This mouth watering treat is sure to jazz up any meal.

When Thanksgiving dinner arrives, you may wish to add an extra flair to the traditional turkey. Simply mix ½ cup of minced Sage with ½ up of fresh butter and spread on top of the turkey. The smells are sure to have everyone’s mouths watering. This herb butter is also a great addition to fish dishes as well.

If Mexican cuisine is more to your liking, you may wish to try Cilantro Butter. Mix together two blanched and minced garlic cloves with ½ cup of fresh butter, and then fold in ½ cup of Cilantro and a teaspoon of lemon juice. This herb butter is perfect for spreading on tortillas or adding more spice to your favorite Mexican dishes.

Next on the list of delicious herb butters is Tarragon Butter. Folding some finely minced Tarragon into a ½ cup of fresh butter followed by a couple of teaspoons of lemon juice makes a wonderful spread for atop a French Bread loaf fresh from the oven. This unique anise flavor will add an irresistible zest to any of your favorite recipes.

Finally, we come to everyone’s favorite additive, Thyme. A simple crumbled leaf added to a ½ cup of butter creates a wonderful spread for baked potatoes or even warm pasta. If you wish to add more unique flavors, try adding equal parts of Basil, or Parsley.

So, ditch the old and bland sticks and butter tubs and embark on a flavor filled adventure. With so many varieties of herbs to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

         

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