D.I.Y. Flavored Butters

Did everyone survive Christmas?  We are still coasting along, as my side doesn't even celebrate until this coming weekend.  Which is fine by me, as I still need to do a little shopping {I know!}.  My parents are swinging by this afternoon to pick up the kids and take them to their house for a few days until we arrive, so our house will be empty and quiet {but kinda nice, too?}

So today, we are at home, and then I have two days of work and then back on the road again.  This craziness will eventually end early next week!

Until then, I've got some yummy posts lined up.  Including this one.  When my girlfriend and I hosted our holiday party a couple of weeks back, I included this homemade flavored butter trio on our gourmet grilled cheese bar.

Yes, we had a grilled cheese bar.

It was fabulous.

So, instead of the normal boring, plain butter to coat our bread in before putting it on the panini press, I decided to make some flavored butters.  

Here we go:

Step 1: Soften one stick of unsalted butter.

Step 2: Choose 1/2 c. of flavoring.

Step 3: Combine both in a food processor until smooth.

Step 4: Place on wax paper and roll into a log, securing both ends.

Step 5: Place in fridge to harden and use immediately, or keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Pretty easy, huh?

For our party I chose pesto, strawberry and garlic/chive.  So simply a 1/2 cup of prepared pesto, a 1/2 cup homemade strawberry jam and then 1/2 minced chives and 1 t. fresh garlic.

That's it!

Let me tell you, when you use flavored butters on sandwiches it takes them to a whole new level.  Very flavorful and unique.  I'm fairly certain even the non-cook can do this at home.  Bringing it out at your next party or gathering?  Even better.