Flavored Butter Recipes for the Holidays

Flavored and herb butters are easy to make and give you a special way to serve butter to family and friends during the holiday season.

To prepare a basic flavored butter recipe, place 1/2 cup softened butter in a bowl. Using wooden spoon or electric mixer, cream butter until fluffy. Stir in two tablespoons of your favorite herbs and flavorings (see suggestions below) or create your own. Pack the butter into the Butter Bell crock and serve immediately.

Rosemary-Garlic
Combine butter with a pureed garlic clove and 1 tablespoon freshly chopped rosemary. Serve with fresh rolls or smear over french bread (1" thick), place in oven and bake.

Lemon-Thyme
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to butter made with two tablespoons fresh thyme. Excellent served over warm vegetables.

Honey-Vanilla
Mix 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into butter and beat. Then add 1 tablespoon honey and mix. Perfect for breakfast rolls, toast, croissants and scones.

Cranberry Butter
Add two tablespoons prepared cranberry sauce to softened butter. Serve with dinner rolls or atop slices of turkey or ham.

Jammin' Butters
Add two tablespoons of your favorite jelly or jam. Great served on pancakes and waffles for breakfast or brunch.

Pecan Butter
Mix butter with 1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pecans. Serve on sweet potatoes, gingerbread or pumpkin bread.

Southern Living's Bourbon Butter
Add two tablespoons bourbon to butter. Tasty on toasted pound cake or sweet potato biscuits.