Whipped Cheddar Butter Food

SCOTTISH SHARP-CHEDDAR SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• Using electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat together butter, salt, black pepper, and cayenne at low speed just until blended. Add Cheddar and flour and mix at low speed just until smooth (do not overmix). Shape dough into disk, wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper, and chill 30 minutes.
• Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4- to 1/8-inch-thick round. Using 1 1/2- to 2-inch round cutter, cut out rounds and arrange 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheets. Reroll scraps if desired (rerolled scraps will be tougher).
• Bake shortbread until lightly golden and beginning to brown on edges, about 13 to 15 minutes. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

WHIPPED CHEDDAR BUTTER

Steps:

• Bring the butter and cheese spread to room temperature.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whip the room-temperature butter with a hand mixer on high until pale yellow and doubled in size, about three minutes.
• Add one tablespoon room-temperature cheese spread into the whipped butter. Whip on high until completely incorporated, about a minute. Make sure you then scrape down the sides.
• Add the second tablespoon of cheese spread, then whip on high until incorporated for about a minute. Scrape down the sides and whip some more for another thirty seconds or so. The final mixture should be a very pale orange.
• Place mixture into an airtight container and keep refrigerated. Remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving to experience optimal spreadability.
• NOTES: To reduce the saltiness, you may opt to exchange the salted butter for unsalted. To enhance the cheddar flavor, you can add another tablespoon of cheddar spread (though I'd highly recommend you use unsalted butter). Lastly, if you struggle finding sharp cheddar cheese spread at your local grocer, you can check Target (where I got mine--Wisconsin's Kaukauna brand) or any local gourmet grocery stores.

WHIPPED HONEY BUTTER

Steps:

• Beat butter and honey together until creamy. Serve at room temperature.

HOMEMADE WHIPPED BUTTER

Steps:

• Beat milk and butter together until light and fluffy.
• This expands the volume by a third and makes it easier to spread.