Compound Butters

Softened butter may be flavored with a variety of ingredients, both savory and sweet. Flavored whole butter is called a compound butter, also called composed butter or beurre composé. The preparation of compound butters usually begins with whipping the butter. This softens its texture and makes it less dense, so it can accept more flavoring ingredients. Flavoring ingredients, including salt, are usually added to taste. There is no limit other than taste to adding solid ingredients to a compound butter. However, even whipped butter can accept only a limited amount of liquid ingredients (such as lemon juice) because it is an emulsion that already contains water. If you try to add too much liquid ingredient to a compound butter, the liquid will cease to blend into the butter and the finished product may weep beads of liquid or appear curdled.