For Friendsgiving this year I wanted to create something that my coworkers could take home with them afterwards. But I also was prepping an entire meal, so I didn’t want to try anything too complicated or time-consuming.ย
I decided to make a few different flavored butters, also sometimes called compound butters. These are quick and inexpensive to make, and guests can use them during the dinner party as well as take their favorite flavor home after.ย
I made honey butter by combining 2 cups softened butter with 1/2 cup honey and a big pinch of cinnamon. You can blend this in a food processor or by hand. Spoon into clean glass jars to store.ย
I love honey butter because it was something that was always served at my great aunt Ina’s house during Thanksgiving when I was growing up. So not only is it totally delicious, it also reminds me of getting to spend holidays with my entire extended family on my father’s side. Lots of folding card tables were involved. ๐
I also made a chipotle butter, inspired by my husband Trey. He loves chipotle anything. ๐ For this I combined 2 cups softened butter, 3 chipotle peppers, and a couple teaspoons of adobo sauce (all from a can). Blend in a food processor. Or you can blend by hand; just chop up the peppers first. Spoon into clean jars to store.
I like to make these a few days before my event for two reasons. One, then I don’t need to worry about them as I prep for everything else. And second, the flavors will mingle and intensify over a couple days, making them even more delicious.ย
I highly recommend adding handmade labels to the tops of the jars so guests know which is which (even though the color will likely give it away too). If you don’t have a big sister with awesome handwriting like I do, you could also use letter stamps or stickers for the labels.ย
Aย few other flavor combinations you could try include pesto, cinnamon sugar, lemon, lime with salt, lavender, or pumpkin spice. You probably already have some great flavor options in your cupboard or refrigerator right now, so feel free to get creative. ๐ xo. Emma
Credits // Author: Emma Chapman. Photography: Emma Chapman and Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
40 Comments
Oh yum!! They look so awesome at each place setting!! I’m totally making these for our Thanksgiving!!!
Um… Yes please! Easy, cute as a button and delicious? I’m in. ๐
Gypsy Plunder Vintage
This is so sweet! You’re definitely the hostess with the mostest.
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
I love this idea… just wondering if it’s practical since butter needs to stay refrigerated. Thoughts on that?
Hi Maria! We made sure to refrigerate them before we had the dinner party, and then I refrigerated mine when I took it home. ๐ -Jacki
I was going make these for Christmas gifts this year. I can’t wait to try out different combinations of infused butter.
My question is, do they last as long as regular butter? It would be nice if I can make these in a week in advance.
These recipes look amazing; and using the butter as Little gifts is such a nice idea! I can also recommend umami butter, for which you can find the recipe here:
http://www.deliciousdays.com/archives/2011/05/05/umami-butter-your-fridge-is-your-friend/
(BTW, that site is not mine.)
Thanks for your lovely website, I really enjoy reading it!
This is awesome! Such a fun idea and would be so fun to pair with different kinds of breads! And wine! ๐
Love it!
http://sometimesgracefully.com
Awesome idea! I can’t wait to try it!
Great post! My husband and I go to a restaurant that serves a strawberry butter that is to die for! Now you have me thinking about making some! ๐
Butter party favors sounds like the best.party.favors.ever!
Yummm honey butter is amazing. I think that cinnamon butter is also a great idea! It’s a great dupe for the expensive (but delicious) Panera cinnamon crunch spread. The one that I instantly thought of was sun-dried tomato flavored butter!
doitfortheirony.blogspot.com
Great idea,Emma! Did you use salted or unsalted butter? Thanks.
I’ll definitely try this out, so simple and looks delish!
This is such a GREAT idea! I may steal it not for a Thanksgiving get together, but for a holiday party I am planning for in mid-December. Thanks for such a great little gift!
maggie
http://www.shopean.etsy.com
It depends what you add. For example, honey butter lasts just as long but if you use fresh herbs (for a pesto flavored one) it may only last a few weeks. So, if you’re giving them as gifts its a great idea to test your flavor first to see how long it will last.
Good luck! -Emma
I’m an unsalted butter kind of gal (so I can control how salty things are, in general) but salted will work just as well in these.
-Emma
This may be a silly question, but what exactly do you put chipotle butter on? It sounds delicious, but I’m drawing a culinary blank!
Hi Caroline! You can put it on rolls, corn on the cob, or grilled meats ๐ -Jacki
This looks yum…and such cute party favors…chipotle, yum!!
xo
Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
Great recipe ides!
I tried a blueberry butter at a restaurant and it was to die for. I think that would be a good combo when blueberries are in season. ๐
What ratio butter to other ingredient do you recommend? These sound so fun! I always used to love getting the flavored butter at the Old Spaghetti Factory.
This is actually such a good idea!
Lizzy from Nomad Notebook
It looks so good.
I love this idea. It is a cute favor and perfect for Thanksgiving! Fun!
Yum! These all look amazing! x
poundingyounghearts.blogspot.com.au
This looks yummmy!! And I love how you labelled all the jars! Super cute!
-Miss Sennnaa
BLOG: http://miss-sennnaa.blogspot.com
Oh my gosh, that silverware! Is it vintage/thrifted? I’ve been wanting golden silverware. <3 <3
I love making these! Salted molasses is my personal favorite. So good on warm scones!
I’m gonna try this honey butter, looks yummy!!Also very cute jars ๐ S&R
I’m gonna try this honey butter, looks yummy!!Also very cute jars ๐ S&R
What an amazing idea! I was looking to make my own favours this year. Lovely! Bec
http://www.dancingthroughsunday.com.au
Yum yum!! This will make awesome host gifts for going to holiday parties as well!
xoxo
Taylor
May I ask where you got your silverware?
Hi Emma,
New follower here! ๐
This is a great idea. Can you tell me where you got the jars and labels from? Thank you!
Flavored butter is a great idea! I once made lime zest chili butter and spread it on BBQ grilled corn. It was delicious
polkadotmango.weebly.com
honey butter is one of my favorite things to put on toast! such a great idea that i never would have thought of! thanks for this post!
~meg
http://www.waterlilyshop.com
@waterlilyshop
what a yummy idea!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
Have you heard of marmite- its a UK salty yeast extract which is amazing made in to marmite butter and slathered on toast or crumpets! x