Umami Butter
Compound butters are extraordinarily simple to put together. The biggest thing you need to remember is to take the butter out ahead of time to soften properly. Once it is nice and pliable, the sky's the limit as far as the flavor combinations go.
I created this particular version for a Sea Vegetables class that I taught at 18 Reasons, in San Francisco. One woman reported that it was her favorite thing on the menu! Try it on steamed vegetables, crisp radishes or on Savory Quick Bread with Seeds and Sea Lettuce.
INGREDIENTS
1 stick of salted butter (4 oz), softened
2-3 tsp white miso
1 tsp dulse flakes, lightly toasted
1 tsp sea lettuce or dulse flakes
1 tsp minced shallot
DIRECTIONS
Place all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine. If you would like the butter on the fluffier side consider using a hand held mixer.
Yields: ½ cup