Herb butter is one of my favorite hostess with the mostess tricks. There is something about saying, “I made an herb butter,” that just sounds fancy, yet it’s as simple as taking a stick of softened butter and adding a few tablespoons of chopped herbs with salt & pepper. I think it’s a great way to use up the last of the fresh chives from my garden.
I personally find it fairly easy to eyeball my herb to butter ratio and in my opinion a little herb flavor can go a long way so if you want to improvise to have more (or less) herbs or pick up a specific flavor it’s simple to do, but here is the basic idea:
Mix 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (not melted!) with 1 Tablespoons snipped chives and/or parsley, 1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped rosemary (or tarragon or sage or whatever you might have on hand) and add 1/4 tsp. salt & fresh-ground black pepper to taste. Let the herb butter stand, covered in a cool place for at least 1 hour to let flavors develop. The herb flavor will get stronger the longer it sits, but you can serve after an hour or so.
Note: I mix my herb butter in a jam jar (like a mason jar or something with a lid) or a small glass bowl that can easily be stored in my fridge and also makes a nice presentation for serving to guests as well. If I am making it for just my husband and myself I usually only use half of a stick of butter. I often prepare it a day before I plan to serve it. It can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge. I understand that it freezes well, but I’ve never had it stay around long enough to warrant freezing.
This tip could not be easier and whether you are serving brunch or dinner it adds a perfect touch to corn on the cob, seafood, meats, rice, or biscuits… it is delicious on any type of freshly toasted bread for that matter, or baked potatoes and is also a wonderful addition to soups and sautés. There is pretty much nothing you can’t do with herb butter. If you happen to be hosting your first Thanksgiving as a married couple this year this would be a great little trick to pull out for dinner!
