Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): Transform your meals with flavourful compound butter
This page has an easy read with questions to test your understanding and work on your English skills
Discover how to make compound butter with these easy recipes. Photo: Shutterstock Content provided by British Council
[1] Compound butter is butter that has other ingredients mixed into it. It is a great way to add a burst of flavour to food. It is really easy to prepare. Season unsalted butter with fresh herbs and lemon, chilli and lime or berry jam. Whether savoury or sweet, these add richness to the most ordinary foods. Make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer.
[2] Lemon thyme butter
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½ cup or 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
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1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
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1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
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generous pinch of coarse salt
Directions
In a small bowl, beat all of the ingredients. Shape into a roll and wrap in parchment paper that is twisted at both ends. Store in the refrigerator for up to three months or freeze. Serve on baked sweet potatoes, poached chicken or baked fish, or toss with pasta or rice.
[3] Chilli crisp butter:
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½ cup or 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
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½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of chilli crisp, or your favourite hot sauce, to taste
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1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice
Directions
In a small bowl, beat all of the ingredients. Shape into a roll and wrap in parchment, twisted at both ends. Store in the refrigerator for up to three months or freeze. Serve on roasted sweet potatoes, polenta or cornbread.
[4] Orange marmalade butter
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½ cup or 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
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2 to 3 tablespoons of orange marmalade
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1 tablespoon of blood orange juice or lemon juice
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light pinch of salt
Directions
In a small bowl, beat together all of the ingredients. Shape into a roll and wrap in parchment paper that is twisted at both ends. Store in the refrigerator for up to three months or freeze. Serve on pancakes, crêpes, muffins, toast, scones and oatmeal.
[5] Whipped olive oil butter
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4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
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4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
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pinch of salt
Directions
In a small bowl, beat all of the ingredients. Transfer it into a jar, cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to three months, or freeze. This blend is light and fluffy, yet rich; spread it on baguettes, croissants and baked potatoes.
Source: Tribune News Service, April 21
Questions
1. What is compound butter, according to paragraph 1?
2. Which ingredient is not included in the lemon thyme butter mentioned in paragraph 2?
A. lemon juice
B. butter
C. salt
D. baked fish
3. According to paragraph 2, what foods go well with chilli crisp butter?
4. What can be used instead of blood orange juice for the recipe in paragraph 4?
5. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and beat … they are well mixed.
A. until
B. when
C. since
D. during
6. Write the singular form of these ingredients. (4 marks)
(i) rice
(ii) pancakes
(iii) chicken
(iv) sweet potatoes
Answers
1. It is butter that has other ingredients mixed into it.
2. D
3. roasted sweet potatoes, polenta and cornbread
4. lemon juice
5. A
6. (i) rice; (ii) pancake; (iii) chicken; (iv) sweet potato