Elements For A Healthier Life Magazine Issue 06 | October 2016 | Page 60

Herb Butter

for Seasoning

Do you enjoy the flavor of fresh herbs in your meals? Do you wish you could preserve the summertime flavors into the colder winter months? Preparing herb butter provides a tasty solution to preserving an abundant crop of fresh herbs and adding rich flavor to meals.

Herb butter can be used for sauteing vegetables, embellishing cooked rice and pasta dishes, seasoning meats, spread onto a slice of fresh baked bread or melting on top of potatoes.

Harvest herbs at their peak. You may use fresh herbs from the produce section at the local grocery store if the herb you'd like to use is out of season.

Place butter in a bowl and leave out at room

temperature until it softens.

Carefully rinse leaves and remove the stems and

discolored leaves. Pat dry. Chop the herbs.

Using a fork, mash herbs and butter together until

thoroughly combined.

Scoop the herb butter onto a piece or waxed or

parchment paper. Shape it into a log. Wrap the herb

butter loosely, place in freeze until firm. Tightly wrap firm butter and store in an airtight freezer bag. Refrigerate for up to two months, or freeze up to six months in an airtight freezer bag. Slice off the amount needed with a sharp knife.

Blends to Try:

Parsley and lemon zest

Rosemary and thyme

Lemon Balm and rosemary

Add elegance to a butter dish by garnishing

the herb butter with a fresh sprig of the

herbs used in the blend.

By C.K. Kochis

60 | ElementsForAHealthierLife.com | October 2016