Compound butter facts for kids

A New York strip steak topped with Beurre Maitre d'Hotel, served with potatoes and creamed spinach

Kronfleisch (skirt steak), a traditional Bavarian dish. Served with onion rings, rye bread, compound butter (with herbs and garlic – beurre à la bourguignonne), and horseradish

Imagine a special kind of butter that's not just plain, but mixed with yummy ingredients like herbs, spices, or even lemon juice! These are called compound butters. They are a super easy way to add amazing flavor to your food, almost like a secret sauce.

What are Compound Butters?

Compound butters are simply regular butter mixed with other tasty things. The French call them beurre composé, which means "composed butter." People use them to make dishes taste even better. Think of them as a flavor booster for your meals!

How are Compound Butters Made?

Making compound butter is pretty fun and easy. First, you take soft butter. Then, you mix in extra ingredients. These can be fresh herbs like parsley, strong spices, or even liquids that smell good, like lemon juice.

Once everything is mixed well, the butter is shaped. Often, it's rolled into a log using plastic wrap or parchment paper. Then, it's put in the fridge. When it gets cold, it becomes firm enough to slice. You can make these butters at home or buy them ready-made from a store.

Why Use Compound Butters?

Compound butters are used to make many different foods taste better. You can melt a slice on top of hot meats like steak or chicken. They are also great on cooked vegetables, adding a rich, savory taste.

Sometimes, people use them as a spread on bread, just like regular butter, but with extra flavor. Chefs also use them to finish sauces, making them richer and more delicious. They are a simple way to make everyday meals feel special.

Types of Compound Butters

There are many kinds of compound butters, each with its own unique flavor. Here are a few popular ones:

• Beurre à la bourguignonne – This is a classic butter mixed with garlic and parsley. It's often served with snails or steak.
• Beurre Maitre d'Hotel – This butter has fresh parsley and a zing of lemon juice. It's very popular with grilled meats and fish.
• Café de Paris butter – This one is famous for its secret mix of many herbs and spices, giving it a very unique taste.
• Garlic butter – A simple but delicious butter with just garlic, perfect for garlic bread or pasta.
• Beurre au citron – This means "lemon butter" in French. It's made with lemon zest and juice, great for seafood.