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butter

DairyYear-round, though butter made from spring and summer milk (grass-fed) typically exhibits enhanced flavor and deeper color. Production consistency has improved with modern refrigeration and standardized dairy practices.

Rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2, particularly in grass-fed varieties. Contains butyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), compounds studied for potential health benefits, though butter is calorie-dense at approximately 717 calories per 100g.

About

Butter is an emulsified dairy product made by churning cream or milk to separate butterfat from buttermilk. It consists of at least 80% milkfat by weight in most Western standards, with the remainder comprising water and milk solids. Butter originates from ancient practices of preserving milk fat and is produced globally from cow's milk, though water buffalo, goat, and sheep milk butters exist in various culinary traditions.

The color ranges from pale yellow to deep golden depending on the animal's diet (particularly carotenoid content from grass), season, and production methods. Butter exhibits a smooth, creamy texture when softened and becomes hard and dense when chilled. Its flavor profile ranges from sweet and delicate to nutty and tangy, influenced by the milk source, fermentation (cultured vs. sweet cream), aging, and salt content.

Culinary Uses

Butter functions as both a cooking medium and a flavoring ingredient across nearly all culinary traditions. It is essential for baking, providing structure and richness to pastries, cakes, and breads. In cooking, butter is used for sautéing, pan-frying, and finishing dishes, contributing distinctive flavor and emulsifying sauces. Clarified butter (ghee) serves extended cooking applications due to its higher smoke point. Butter is also used raw in compound butters, for spreading, and as an emulsifying agent in classic French mother sauces and contemporary cuisine.

Used In

Recipes Using butter (2,010)

New York Cheesecake
RCI-BR.004.0372.001

New York Cheesecake

Arnold Reuben, owner of Turf Restaurant at 49th and Broadway in New York City, developed the recipe for New York cheesecake in 1929 after eating a slice of cheese pie at a friend's home.

RCI-BR.004.0373.001

New Zealand Kiwi Cheesecake

1 hour preparation.

RCI-DS.003.0224.001

New Zealand Lolly Log Cake

It can be eaten with a coffee, or taken to someone's home as a gift. Absolutely for the sweet tooth!

RCI-SP.002.0139.001

New Zealand Pumpkin Soup

If we travel and I find pumpkin, this is the recipe I indulge in! 4-6 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0367.001

Ngalakh

My husband's favorite, also spelled "ngalax", "ngallakh" or "ngallax".

RCI-MT.002.0191.001

Niamiha Cutlet

Niamiha Cutlet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0434.001

No-Bake Cookies

. These cookies are delicious, fast, and easy to customize.

RCI-BR.005.0436.001

No-bake Peanut Butter Cookie

Contributed by Paula in California at Catsrecipes Y-Grou

RCI-DS.003.0227.001

No-Cook Grape Candies

Grape Juice, Canned, Unsweetened by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 36

RCI-BR.001.0167.001

No-Knead Cheddar Rolls

No-Knead Cheddar Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0375.001

No Name Easy Christmas Fruit Cake

Holiday Recipes

RCI-ND.005.0085.001

Noodles and Cabbage

right|Name of the Recipe

RCI-SC.001.0040.001

Normande Sauce

Normande Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0127.001

Norwegian Pancakes

Norwegian Pancakes

RCI-VG.004.0960.001

Norwegian Red Cabbage

Red Cabbage

RCI-SP.001.0093.001

Norwegian Spinach Soup

Norwegian Spinach Soup

RCI-BR.008.0128.001

Norwegian Waffles

Adapted from a Scandinavian Cooking recipe by Beatrice Ojakangas. Note: the waffles are traditionally served cold with fruit and whipped cream. Serves 4 to 6. Makes 8 waffles or 40 heart-shaped waffles.

RCI-VG.001.0417.001

Nut and Banana Salad

Salad with nuts and bananas.

RCI-VG.004.0961.001

Nut and Potato Roast

(from my Grandmother's collection) Date on card is 1910.

RCI-BR.001.0173.001

Nut Kolacky

Nut Kolacky from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0442.001

Nut Lover's Iced Sugar Cookies

Nut Lover's Iced Sugar Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0134.001

Nut-stuffed Delicata Squash

Nut-stuffed Delicata Squash from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0446.001

Nutty Buddy Chocolate Cookie Bars

Nutty Buddy Chocolate Cookie Bars

RCI-SN.004.0109.001

Nutty Raisin Party Mix

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Shelton Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1992.

RCI-BR.002.0074.001

Oast Cakes

Named after the distinctive hop-drying houses that dot the Kent countryside, these cakes were originaly eaten after the crop had been gathered. They are like thin, fried scones, and are good served lightly dredged with sugar or with cherry jam.

RCI-BR.001.0175.001

Oatmeal Cherry Braid

Oatmeal Cherry Braid from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0450.001

Oatmeal Cherry Cookies

Cherries, Dried by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 48

RCI-BR.005.0453.001

Oatmeal Cookies à la Guinea

Oatmeal Cookies à la Guinea from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0456.001

Oatmeal Drop Cookies

Oatmeal Drop Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0457.001

Oatmeal-Lace Cookies

Oatmeal-Lace Cookies

RCI-BR.005.0461.001

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

Makes about 5 dozen

Oatmeal Stout Brownies
RCI-BR.005.0464.001

Oatmeal Stout Brownies

This recipe, created by Joe Stutler, was a national finalist in the 2006 Cooking With Beer Challenge. The malt and oats in the beer enhance the flavor of the chocolate in these delicious brownies.

RCI-EG.002.0053.001

Oeufs en Meurette

Oeufs en Meurette aka eggs poached in red wine is a simple Burgundian classic.

RCI-VG.004.0971.001

Okra with Tomatoes

The acidity of the tomatoes helps to cut down the sliminess of the okra.

RCI-MT.001.0177.001

Oksekød med Peberrod

Oksekød med Peberrod Boiled beef with horseradish Serves 6

RCI-MT.001.0178.001

Oksesteg i Surfløde

Oksesteg i Surfløde Serves 8

RCI-BR.003.0298.001

Old-fashioned Blackberry Pie

Purchased from Tibbenham Estate in Anna, Texas in 1997. Dated 1962. Indicates this was Sara Beth's favorite pie.

RCI-SC.007.0225.001

Old Fashioned Caramel Frosting

Contributed by Sylvia at World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.006.0226.001

Old-fashioned Chicken Pot Pies

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Get Togeth

RCI-BR.006.0227.001

Old-fashioned Egg Custard Pie

From my grandmother's collection. Dated 1912.

RCI-BR.001.0179.001

Old-fashioned Onion Board

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mr. Food *

RCI-BR.005.0467.001

Old Fashion Tea Cakes

Old Fashion Tea Cakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0467.001

Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

The Olive Garden is known for their creamy chicken and gnocchi soup. This is a rich soup that you can make a full meal from this soup alone. This soup features roasted chicken, potato gnocchi, carrots, celery, and spinach.

RCI-MT.004.0602.001

Olive Garden Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a true Italian classic dish. Chicken Marsala is make with wine, onions, mushrooms, and chicken breasts. You can serve this with mashed potatoes or even pasta. You can make Chicken Marsala just like the Olive Garden at home.

RCI-MT.004.0603.001

Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Chicken

In this recipe you could just make the Parmesan chicken breasts and serve them just like that, or you can add the pasta, broccoli and more and make a copy cat recipe of this dish and serve this anytime at home.

RCI-SP.001.0095.001

Ølsuppe

Beer Soup Serves 12 Ølsuppe

RCI-EG.001.0038.001

Omelet for Two

Copyright 2006, Barefoot Contessa at Home, All Rights Reserved Show: *Barefoot Contessa Episode: * Breakfast In, Breakfast Out

RCI-SC.002.0037.001

Onion Butter Sauce for Steak

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: my old rec

RCI-SC.001.0042.001

Onion Sauce

Onion Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0472.002

Onion Soup

French is a classic French soup. It's lightly bound with a little flour.