Herbed Butter

Folks, today's recipe is SIMPLE! You don't need a mixer, though I think it distributes the flavors more evenly. It pairs fantastically with yesterday's oatmeal loaf, but I suspect it would be delicious on pretty much anything.I can just imagine a baked potato lathered with some of this butter - ohhh yeah. If we had potatoes in the house that would most definitely be supper. Today's herbed butter recipe is loosely based on this one, simply changed to ingredients I already had.

 

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon smoked chipotle powder
a dash of sea salt
1 clove of minced garlic
1/4 cup = 1/2 stick of softened butter

Equipment:

Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl
Spoon or mixer
Knife or food processor if using fresh garlic

Directions:

• Dump all the ingredients in the mixing bowl

•  Mix or beat on low speed until combined

•  Spread on slices of hot bread or anything else you can think of.

See! SIMPLE!  

Tips & Variations:

• Leave the butter on the counter for an hour or two to soften. Alternatively you can nuke it in 5 second increments. Just make sure it is mushy to the touch, but holds it's shape.
• When using fresh garlic, a food processor works great to mince. It'll be a little finer than mincing by hand which will create a smoother spreading butter.
• If you don't particularly like the 'bite' of fresh garlic, try roasting the garlic first. Unfortunately I didn't think of this trick until the butter was finished. 
• Get creative! I've seen herbed butter made with all sorts of ingredients. Rosemary or paprika would be interesting variations.
• PLEASE don't disappoint yourself by smearing this on a cold piece of bread. It just isn't the same. 

Cost:

I had trouble pricing the salt/herbs since our spice-rack came pre-filled and offers 5 years of free refills. I guestimated a penny per.

Butter	$0.33
Salt/Spices	$0.04
Garlic	$0.03
	$0.40