Always have a parent or carer around to help you in the kitchen
As it's the Easter holidays we are cooking a lot so Dad reminded me of something ANYONE can make which can totally change your food (& it keeps well in the fridge or freezer) ...I first made this a few years ago now.
Get yourself a pack or two of butter
- It's definitely to use fresh rather than dried flavourings as the dried flavours can be stale or musty and never as zingy as fresh ingredients.
- Most butters may be used the same day or immediately after use, however some butters - especially those containing herbs and spices, are best used the next day after the flavours have developed, so choose a butter type to make after speaking to your parent or carer as to what foods you'll be cooking over the next few days..
- Take 100g of butter out of the fridge for an hour to soften. Flavour is better if you use good quality semi-salted or unsalted butter. Beat the butter with a wooden spoon until it is soft and creamy, then beat in any of the flavourings you fancy. See each below.
- Tip the flavoured butter onto a square of baking parchment or cling film, roll it around the butter to form a sausage shape, then twist the ends to seal. The butter is now ready to be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge or around a month in the freezer.
If you are using unsalted butter add a pinch of fine sea salt to your mix.
Chili Coriander and Lime. (Chili optional)
- zest 1 lime
- ½ a 400g can red chilli , deseeded and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander
Basil Parmesan and Tomato.
- 100g butter
- 4 tbsp freshly grated parmesan(or vegetarian alternative)
- 8-10 shredded basil leaves
- 1 tbsp finely chopped sundried tomatoes.
Garlic and Parsley.
- 100g butter
- 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 1 crushed garlic clove
Sweet Citrus butter
- Mix butter with 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of sweetener, such as icing sugar, honey, maple syrup, golden syrup or brown sugar. Combine butter with 2 tablespoons of grated zest of lemon, orange, lime, or a combination.
- This is delicious mixed into cakes as you would mix butter normally. Its also nice on hot desserts such as steamed sponge puddings, waffles and pancakes
Not sure what to use your flavoured butter with?
How about simple baked potatoes, ...corn on the cob, ...salmon fillets, (or pretty much any fish) ...freshly baked bread, ...with assorted hot steamed vegetables, cooked roast meat, pan-fried steak.
Proving once again that "Cubs CAN cook" ..if you get into the kitchen & give it a go!
Be a food explorer & try something new, today for instance I tried pan-fried scallops & bacon with cubed potatoes ...it was delicious, look out for another recipe shortly, because we are making a big vat of clam & seafood chowder today (dad was clearing out freezers to defrost them & has been fishing around in the darkest corners) for things which needed using up! ;)