WHIPPED FLAVOURED BUTTERS

My favourite instant culinary accessory! I like to keep one or two of these in the fridge ready to add to sweet or savoury dishes. Start with very soft and creamy butter at room temperature. For the basic quantity, work 50g softened butter in a small bowl until it is light and fluffy, then mix in your chosen flavourings (see the ideas below and on page 46). For larger batches, use an electric whisk and whip until pale and moussey.

SWEET BUTTERS

♥ Spread thickly on toasted bread, muffins, currant buns or panettone (as pictured). ♥ Put a knob or two on pancakes. ♥ Use to sauté fruit such as pears, peaches, plums and figs, or for baking apples and other autumnal fruits. ♥ Serve with warm crusty baguette and summer berries. ♥ Dot over a fruit and nut pudding, such as Christmas pud.

TRY THESE

PER 50G UNSALTED BUTTER ♥ Chocolate nut Fold in 20g finely chopped or grated dark chocolate (about 70 per cent) and 20g finely chopped roasted hazelnuts or brazils. ♥ Streaky honey Add 2 tsp set honey and combine to streak the butter. ♥ Double ginger Fold in 2 tsp finely chopped stem ginger from a jar and ¼ tsp ground ginger. ♥ Vanilla cinnamon Add and combine 1½ tsp vanilla extract and ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, then add 1 tsp maple or agave syrup and combine to streak the butter. ➤