Compound Butter

A butter that has been flavored by blending together various ingredients such as fresh herbs, shallots, minced garlic, chili powder, pepper flakes, grated citrus zest, or an array of spices. The butter is typically softened, cut in half lengthwise, each half is then rolled in a mixture of selected flavorings, and each half is then left in a cylinder or log shape. Each log is then chilled or frozen to harden, so it can be sliced easily and served for a spreading or topping on foods. It is commonly used as a condiment, as an addition to sauces, to baste meats and vegetables as they are grilled or broiled, and as a flavored topping for chops, steaks or seafood.