If you’re forgoing butter because you think”it’s bad for you” or “it clogs arteries”
or “it’s loaded with calories,” you may want to put it back on the menu.

According to medical doctor and nutritionist, Mark Hyman (of the Cleveland
Clinic Center and The UltraWellness Institute) we all need fat
and a lack of it may be the cause of cravings and failed attempts to stay
on a diet. For more on this subject, head to youtube.com and type
Dr. Mark Hyman and Fat, in the subject line.

And with that said, if you do plan on adding some butter (a good fat)
to your holiday dishes, you may want to step up your (butter) game and
try infused butter.

Infused Butter?
Yes, it simply means you put herbs, seasonings or zests in butter
and then use it to flavor potatoes, sandwiches or gluten-free waffles.

And if you’re not sure what herbs or seasonings to use,
here are 3 recipes to get you started.

Infused Butter Recipe No. 1-
Tangy Lemon-Chive!
Containing only 3 ingredients, this butter adds zing to baked or mashed
potatoes, rice dishes and stir-fried or lightly steamed vegetables or meat
and fish dishes. (Turkey and chicken breasts, salmon and lobster).
To make:
Mash 2 sticks of softened butter, 1/4 cup of chives, minced, 2 tsp. of each
lemon juice and zest and 1/4 tsp. of paprika.
Roll into a log on wax paper; twist the ends up to seal and place in the
refrigerator to firm it up.
When you prepare any of the above mentioned dishes, just take it out
the fridge and add some.

Infused Butter Recipe No. 2-
Spicy Cilantro- Lime!
Need something to make that turkey burger, or pork chops or chicken breast taste
more rich and succulent? Here’s the answer.
To make: Mash 2 sticks of softened butter, 1/4 cup of minced cilantro*, 1 clove of garlic,
1 Tbs. of chili powder, 2 tsp. each of lime juice and zest and 1/2 tsp. of turmeric.
Roll into a log on wax paper; twist ends to seal. Chill until firm.
* Not a fan of cilantro? Use parsley, chives or basil.

Infused Butter Recipe No. 3-
Need something to liven up pancakes, waffles, a muffin or a leftover turkey sandwich?
Combine some cranberries and cinnamon. To make: Microwave 1/3 cup of maple syrup
and 1/3 cup of chopped cranberries for 2 mins. Let cool. Using your mixer, beat 2 sticks
of butter, cranberry mixture, 1/4 tsp. of ground cinnamon and 2 tsp. of each orange juice
and zest. Place in a dish or container (with a lid) and chill until firm.

Tip for serving. If you want to dazzle your guests with nice looking butter curls,
just run a small melon baller under hot water, then dry it and pull it along the
butter log to make those curls.

Good Luck, Good Eating and Good Health!

Sources:
* Mark Hyman, M.D. Director of The Cleveland Clinic
* Farm and Ranch Living -The Magazine
* A Taste of Home, The Magazine
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