Making homemade herb-infused butter is a delightful and versatile gift idea. Here’s a simple recipe for Herb-infused Christmas Butter:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Fresh Herbs:
- Wash and finely chop the fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley. Grate the lemon zest.
- Soften Butter:
- Allow the unsalted butter to come to room temperature, making it soft and easy to mix.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper if using. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the herbs.
- Shape or Roll:
- Transfer the herb-infused butter mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Shape it into a log or roll. Alternatively, you can use small silicone moulds for festive shapes.
- Chill:
- Place the shaped butter in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours or until it becomes firm.
- Wrap for Gifting:
- Once the herb-infused butter is chilled and firm, wrap it in parchment paper or plastic wrap. For an extra festive touch, you can place the wrapped butter in a small decorative box or tie it with a ribbon.
Usage:
This herb-infused Christmas butter is perfect for spreading on bread, crackers, or melting over cooked vegetables. It adds a burst of flavour to holiday meals.
Tips:
- Experiment with other herbs like chives, dill, or tarragon based on personal preferences.
- Customize the salt and pepper levels to suit your taste.
- Consider making a variety of herb-infused butter for a gift set.
This homemade herb-infused butter makes a thoughtful and flavorful Christmas present. Package it in a way that suits the holiday season, and your gift recipients will appreciate the effort and personal touch.
