Recipe: Versatile Butter (Honey, Raspberry, Orange, Spicy or Nutty)

VERSATILE BUTTER

"Use these butters as flavor enhancers for all types of foods."

1 pound unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup buttermilk

Beat butter in mixer bowl at low speed until whipped. Beat at high speed for 5 minutes longer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add buttermilk gradually, beating constantly at low speed until blended. Beat at high speed for 10 minutes longer or until light and fluffy, scraping bowl occasionally.

Try these variations by blending 3/4 cup of the whipped butter with the following ingredients:

Honey Butter
Add:
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon mace

Raspberry Butter
Add:
1/4 cup mashed raspberries
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon lemon juice

Orange Butter
Add:
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Barbecue Butter
Add:
2 tablespoon barbeque sauce
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Spicy Butter
Add:
1 teaspoon garlic juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds

Nutty Butter
Add:
3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans (or any type of nuts)

Makes 2 cups
Source: Paul Kirk, K.C. Baron of Barbeque in The Kansas City Barbeque Society Cookbook