What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Test Kitchen Favorites: Espresso Dusted Compound Butter! Elevate your morning breakfast or evening bread basket with a gourmet twist to regular butter. This espresso recipe goes one step beyond whipped butter by adding another layer of deliciousness with enriched flavors. It requires minimal effort on your part. Butter, as you may recall, does offer nutrients that provide healthy fatty acids. This doesn’t make butter a health food, though. The key is moderation. If you’re looking for treat from time to time, compound butters are ideal. And this little number gives you a boost of caffeine. 

ESPRESSO DUSTED COMPOUND BUTTER

Ingredients For the Compound Butter: 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 

2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

1/2 tablespoon hot water

5 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/3 teaspoon sea salt 

Ingredients For the Dusting:

1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder

1 tablespoon regular sugar 

Instructions: 

Place the butter in a mixing bowl. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine the instant espresso powder with the hot water. Stir until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool. Add the cooled espresso mixture to the softened butter. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and sea salt. Using a hand whisk, beat the ingredients together until the butter is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Tear off a sheet of parchment paper. Form the butter mixture into a log; seal by twisting the ends; refrigerate until firm. For the outer dusting, tear off another sheet of parchment paper. Combine the instant espresso powder with the regular sugar. Mix well. Once the compound butter is firm, roll the entire log in it to coat all sides. Transfer the espresso dusted compound butter to a small dish. Serve on toasted bread, rolls, or bagels.