Rosemary-Lemon Butter

Experience the refreshing and vibrant flavors of summer with Rosemary-Lemon Butter. This delightful butter is like a taste of sunshine, making it perfect for picnics or simply spreading on bread when you crave the essence of summertime. The combination of fresh rosemary, zesty lemon, and creamy butter creates a versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes. Whether you use it to enhance grilled meats, vegetables, or simply as a spread, Rosemary-Lemon Butter is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Yields 8 1 tablespoon servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 lush sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves only
• 1 large lemon
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature, cut into ¼” slices
• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by finely chopping the fresh rosemary leaves.
2. Using the fine side of a grater, zest the lemon to extract the lemon zest. Then, squeeze the lemon to obtain its juice, and reserve both the zest and juice.
3. In a food processor or by hand, mix the room-temperature butter until it becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Work in the finely chopped rosemary leaves and the lemon zest into the butter mixture.
5. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

USES:

Rosemary-Lemon Butter is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can brighten up a variety of dishes with its refreshing and zesty flavor profile. Here are some popular uses:

• Grilled Meats: Melt a spoonful of Rosemary-Lemon Butter over grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or lamb for a burst of flavor.
• Grilled Seafood: Use Rosemary-Lemon Butter as a finishing touch for grilled seafood like shrimp, salmon, or tilapia.
• Grilled Vegetables: Enhance the taste of grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or mushrooms by drizzling them with Rosemary-Lemon Butter.
• Bread: Spread Rosemary-Lemon Butter on slices of fresh bread or baguette for a refreshing and aromatic appetizer or snack.
• Pasta: Toss hot cooked pasta with a generous spoonful of Rosemary-Lemon Butter for an easy and delightful pasta sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
• Roasted Potatoes: Coat roasted potatoes with Rosemary-Lemon Butter to infuse them with a zesty and herbaceous flavor.
• Rice Dishes: Stir Rosemary-Lemon Butter into rice dishes like risotto or pilaf to add a burst of freshness.
• Crostini Topping: Use Rosemary-Lemon Butter as a topping for crostini, along with cheese or other ingredients, for an elegant hors d’oeuvre.
• Omelets and Scrambles: Incorporate Rosemary-Lemon Butter into omelets or scrambled eggs for a refreshing and zesty twist.
• Salad Dressing: Melt Rosemary-Lemon Butter and use it as a warm dressing for mixed green salads.
• Stuffed Chicken: Spread Rosemary-Lemon Butter under the skin of chicken breasts or thighs before roasting for a flavorful and aromatic result.
• Vegetable Sauté: Use Rosemary-Lemon Butter as a sautéing agent for vegetables, infusing them with a bright and herbaceous taste.

Let the bright and refreshing flavors of Rosemary-Lemon Butter transport you to the heart of summer. Experiment with its various uses to discover your favorite combinations and enjoy the vibrant and zesty richness it brings to your meals.