Compound butter is simply a mixture of butter and other flavourings. Try the savoury version over steamed vegetables, with hot fish or spread on a sandwich.The sweet butter is great served at brunch on fresh bread or crumpets.
Savoury butter
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
generous dash of hot sauce
zest of 1 lime
Sweet butter
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 finely chopped dates
1 tablespoon honey
¼ tsp sea salt
Method
Mix the ingredients for either the savoury or the sweet butter together in a bowl with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning. Put the mixture into a small ramekin and put in the fridge to allow to firm up.
You can also spread the butter about 1/2-inch thick on a tray and cut out individual portions with a circle cutter.
Sue Riedl