Basil Butter

Flavoured butters are an easy way to add a little snap to your favourite breads and food dishes. Basil butter is especially delicious made with sweet basil. I keep it on hand for adding a touch of basil flavour to just about anything. Try stirring it into hot pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes; tossing it with cooked vegetables; melting it over grilled meats; or serving it softened, with bread. This recipe can easily be doubled. Always begin with soft butter. It will blend with the other ingredients much easier and saves time while mixing. Set your butter out at least 30 minutes before whipping it.

½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
½ cup sweet basil, chopped
1 tsp. garlic, minced
½ tsp. lemon zest, freshly grated

With an electric mixer, cream the softened butter in a small bowl until it is fluffy. Begin at a low speed on your mixer and work your way up to faster speeds as the butter gets creamier. The more you whip it, the fluffier it will become.

Add the basil, garlic and lemon zest. Whip until well blended.

Butter Log:
Many professional chefs will roll a compound butter into cylinders and chill or freeze them until it's time to serve a dish. It's an easy way to store the butter as well as cut off a small slice at a time.

Spread a piece of plastic wrap on the counter (about 12" long). Spoon the butter in the middle of the plastic wrap so that it is approximately the same length as a stick of butter.

Fold the plastic wrap around the butter, carefully rolling into a log, and then tuck the ends underneath the butter.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before using so that the butter is completely chilled and the flavours can meld. Slice into ¼" thick rounds for serving.

Chill for up to 1 week or freeze until needed.

Makes ½ cup.