Bonito Butter

Flavoured butters are an easy way to add a little snap to your favourite breads and food dishes. Try stirring it into hot pasta, tossing it with cooked vegetables or melting it over seafood.

4 cups water
4 pkg bonito flakes
1 cup white wine
1 lb butter, softened
1 Tbsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Boil water in a saucepan. Add bonito flakes; reduce to 1 cup, 25-30 minutes. Purée and strain, reserving 3 Tbsp. pulp.

Simmer white wine until reduced by half; chill. Purée with bonito liquid and pulp, softened butter, and lemon juice. Chill up to 1 month.

Makes 3 cups.