Tag Archives: butter

Light as Air Pancakes with Strawberry Syrup

Dinner Ideas January 28, 2026 Leave a comment

Pancakes for dinner? Why yes! When my kids were young, we often ate breakfast for dinner once a week, usually on Friday. We also had a special night called Taco Tuesday, which they enjoyed. Having a plan where you have one breakfast and one dinner each week can make meal planning easier and healthier. It helps organize meals better, reduces the stress of deciding what to eat, and allows trying new recipes or cuisines. This method also simplifies shopping and helps control portion sizes. As the children grew into teenagers, I encouraged them to plan and cook a family meal on a designated night, which helped them learn cooking skills and become more independent.

Initially, this plan did not provide much relief from the kitchen work. However, as they gained confidence in their skills, planning meals became easier and less tiring. Watching them become more independent turned mealtime into an enjoyable experience.

Light as Air Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs, separated
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Strawberry syrup, to serve (see below

Process

  1. Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a bowl.
  2. Put egg yolks and milk into another bowl and gently beat in the sifted dry ingredients.
  3. Put the egg whites into a clean mixer bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Using a spatula, fold whites into the batter.
  4. Heat the prepared griddle over medium-low heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and cook in batches over low heat until small bubbles begin to appear on the surface and the underside is golden brown. Flip the pancakes over and cook the other side for 1 more minute.
  5. Spread with whipped butter (recipe below) and maple syrup, strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup, or fresh fruit.

Whipped Butter

  • ½ cup of softened butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of whipping cream, milk or water
  • Whip the butter and liquid of your choice until light and fluffy.

Variations

  • Add a teaspoon of honey for honey butter or
  • ½ teaspoon of Cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a sweet topping

Fruit Syrup Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1-1/2 cups mashed unsweetened strawberries, raspberries or blueberries

Process

  1. Bring sugar and water to a boil.
  2. Gradually add fruit of choice, return to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Strain fruit if desired.
  5. Serve with pancakes, waffles or ice cream.

Compound Flavored Butters

Dinner Ideas January 16, 2026 Leave a comment

Compound flavored butters serve multiple culinary purposes. They can be melted over grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables to add moisture and flavor. Perfect to add fun and flair to any breakfast spread. They are also used as finishing touches on baked potatoes, bread, or pasta, providing an extra layer of richness. Additionally, they can be incorporated into sauces, marinades, or used as a base for more complex flavor combinations. Their ease of use and ability to add depth to meals make them popular among chefs and home cooks alike. Following are six compound butters that are equally delicious for all meals.

Compound Herb and Garlic Butter

Compound herb and garlic butter is a versatile culinary ingredient that enhances a wide range of dishes with its rich, aromatic flavor. Made by blending softened butter with fresh herbs, this butter offers a fragrant and savory profile that elevates both simple and complex recipes. Its culinary appeal lies in its ability to add depth and richness to meats, seafood, vegetables, and bread.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ¼ cup of fresh chopped fresh herbs
    •  Example: rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, sage, basil or chives. Fresh herbs will give a beautiful display of green flecks in your butter.
  • 2 grated or pressed garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt

Process

  1. Place the softened butter in a small bowl. Add the chopped herbs, garlic, lemon juice and salt and mix well.
  2. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly. Or leave it in a covered bowl.
  3. Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  4. Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.

Compound Lemon Dill Butter

Delicious spread over seafood dishes, such as grilled salmon, baked cod or shrimp where the citrus notes complement the natural flavors of seafood. It also works well as a finishing touch for roasted vegetables or spread on warm bread.

Ingredients

  • 1 stick of unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill weed 
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Process

  1. Wash and finely mince the dill leaves.
  2. Zest and juice lemon.
  3. Cut the softened stick of butter in a mixing bowl.
  4. Using a stand mixer or hand beater, mix until light and fluffy.
  5. Add the chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix until combined.
  6. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly.  Or leave in a covered bowl.
  7. Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  8. Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.

Compound Maple Bourbon Butter

This is a smooth, sweet butter with a smoky flavor from bourbon. It is great to spread on bread, pancakes, waffles, roasted vegetables or melted over steak.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Process

  1. Bring butter to room temperature.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add softened butter and beat butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually mix in pure maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Taste and adjust sweetness or bourbon as needed.
  5. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly.  Or leave in a covered bowl.
  6. Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  7. Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.

Compound Hot Honey Butter

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this whipped hot honey butter is on Jalapeno and Cheese Cornbread or Cheddar and Chive Biscuits, sweet potatoes or baked potatoes or corn on the cob.

Ingredients

  • 1 stick of unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Koren red chili flakes

Process

  1. Bring butter to room temperature.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add softened butter and beat butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually mix in honey, hot sauce and chili flakes.
  4. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly.  
  5. Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  6. Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.

Compound Orange Butter

Orange butter is a tasty spread that can be used on French toast, pancakes, sweet breads, and more. It is smooth and rich, making it perfect for breakfast and brunch. It adds color and flavor to your dishes, making them more appealing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon of Grand Marnier, substitute with Cointreau, or orange juice.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest. Be careful not to zest the white pith under the orange skin as it is bitter.

Process

  1. Bring butter to room temperature.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add softened butter and beat butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually mix in Gand Marnier, and orange zest.
  4. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly.  
  5. Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  6. Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.

Compound Chocolate Butter

Spread chocolate butter on various baked goods such as toast, pancakes, croissants, or bagels, and explore different flavor combinations to enhance your culinary experience.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • 3 tablespoons powder sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Process

  1. Bring butter to room temperature.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add softened butter and beat butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually mix in unsweetened cocoa, powder sugar and vanilla extract.
  4. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly.  Or leave in covered bowl.
  5. Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  6. Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.