Mint Butter Food

MINTED BUTTER

Steps:

• In a bowl, cream butter. Beat in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate.

BUTTER MINTS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the butter, confectioners' sugar, cream and extracts. If desired, divide dough into portions and knead in food coloring. , Form into balls by teaspoonfuls; flatten into patties, or roll between 2 pieces of waxed paper to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut mints into desired shapes. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Store in the refrigerator.

BUTTER MINTS

Steps:

• Combine butter and 2 cups sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until sugar is moistened, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until well combined. Return mixer to low speed, add remaining 2 cups sugar, and mix until well combined, 1 minute. Increase speed to medium-high; beat until light and fluffy, 6 minutes more. Add peppermint extract, milk, and salt; beat until smooth.
• Lightly dust a clean work surface with confectioners' sugar and turn out "dough" onto it. Divide into 5 pieces; tint as desired with food coloring, leaving one piece white. (Keep covered with plastic wrap while working to prevent drying.)
• Roll "dough" into 1/2-inch-thick ropes, then cut into pieces slightly over 1/2 inch long with a paring knife or bench scraper. Transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Let dry, uncovered, at least 12 hours. Mints can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.

SMASHED PEAS WITH MINT BUTTER

Steps:

• Cook peas with water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until heated through and tender, about 8 minutes.
• While peas cook, stir together butter, mint, parsley, pepper, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt until combined well.
• Pulse peas (with cooking water) in 2 batches in a food processor until coarsely puréed, transferring to a large bowl. Stir in herb butter until melted.

BROAD BEANS & PEAS WITH MINT BUTTER

Steps:

• Heat half the butter and fry onions until soft. Add beans and stir. Add stock or water, bring to the boil, cover and cook for 5 mins. Add peas and seasoning and cook for 5 mins until tender. Stir in mint and remaining butter.

HERBY FLAVOURED BUTTERS

Steps:

• Take100g/4oz softened butter and beat until creamy, then for...
• Herby butter: stir in 2-3 tbsp chopped fresh mixed herbs (parsley, chervil, dill, marjoram, basil) and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Tarragon and wholegrain mustard butter: stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh tarragon (remember this is very strong) and 1-2 tbsp wholegrain mustard, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Mint and cider butter: gradually beat in 1 tbsp cider vinegar, then 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Chive and shallot butter: stir in 1 tbsp finely chopped shallots and 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Parsley, lemon and chilli butter: stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest, salt to taste and ½ tsp crushed, dried chilli flakes.
• Dill butter: stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped pickled dill cucumber or gherkins and 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• After mixing, have the flavoured butters handy in the fridge or freezer ready for slicing. Roll them into logs in wet greaseproof paper and chill until firm. Rewrap in cling film and twist each end to seal. Will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

LEMON MINT BUTTER (BBQ)

Steps:

• In small bowl, cream butter, stir in mint, garlic, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. With spatula, spread down a large piece of waxed paper and using paper as a guide, roll butter mixture into 1-1/2 inch (4 cm) wide cylinder. Wrap with paper and refrigerate at least 1 hour or freeze to have on hand through the barbecue season.

MINT-CHIVE BUTTER

Steps:

• Stir butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Mix in mint, chives, lemon zest, and salt.