[Today is the last day to enter Heather’s Raffle for Life and bid on my better-than-crack brownies for a great cause!]
Look — I made vanilla butter for your morning muffin.
You can make vanilla butter at home in just a few minutes. Split a vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds, and mash them into a softened stick of butter. The fragrant specks of vanilla transform plain butter into something luxurious. Spread it on warm maple-bacon brown sugar scones, hot blueberry muffins, steaming pancakes, or use a dab in cookie dough for an extra layer of flavor. It’s simple, versatile, and may be my favorite tiny kitchen upgrade.
Vanilla Bean Butter
Makes about 1/2 cup (easily doubled)
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 vanilla bean
Instructions: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Combine the seeds with the softened butter and mix thoroughly until evenly distributed. Shape the butter as desired, then store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Use within a couple of weeks for best flavor.
Butter for life!