Christmas Butter

I discovered this Christmas Butter while searching for ideas to make our Christmas dinner broccoli more festive. This year I melted the ingredients (using walnuts instead of chestnuts - pecans or hazelnuts would work also) to sprinkle over the broccoli. However, it might be a great "neighbor" gift for the holidays, especially if given with a loaf of homemade bread.

Christmas Butter

• 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup finely chopped chestnuts (precooked variety)
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Zest of 2 clementines
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
• Salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients. Form into a tube and wrap in waxed paper. Or place in a pretty jar. Melt over broccoli, or serve with bread or pancakes.

Note: You can also make a nut-free, non-savory version. Here's another recipe to try:

Cranberry Honey Butter

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Blend all ingredients well. Store in refrigerator for two weeks, or freezer for three months.

Try these variations on dried cranberries with orange zest: dried cherries with lime zest, and dried blueberries with lemon zest.

If you replace the honey with maple syrup, this pairs perfectly with a stack of fluffy pancakes.