Clarified Chesapeake Bay Butter

Elevate your seafood dishes with the unparalleled flavor of Chesapeake Bay seasoned compound butter from Ploughgate Creamery in Vermont, USA. Clarifying this butter enhances its taste and usability, perfect for a variety of culinary applications.

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 oz) Chesapeake Bay seasoned compound butter

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Heat-resistant spoon
• Fine mesh strainer or metal spoon (for skimming)
• Cheesecloth (optional)
• Heatproof container for storing

Instructions

1. Preparation: Cut the compound butter into smaller pieces to promote even melting.

2. Melting: In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter pieces. This process should be slow to allow the milk solids to separate from the butterfat without stirring.

3. Simmering: As the butter melts, it will form three distinct layers: foam (top), clear butterfat (middle), and milk solids (bottom). Allow it to simmer gently to encourage the separation.

4. Skimming Foam: Use a heat-resistant spoon or metal spoon to carefully remove the foam that forms on the surface. Discard this foam.

5. Straining (With Tools): If you have a fine mesh strainer and cheesecloth, set the strainer over a heatproof container and line it with cheesecloth for extra filtration. Carefully pour the melted butter through this setup, leaving milk solids behind in the pan.

   Alternative (Without Tools): If you don’t have cheesecloth or a strainer, allow the butter to sit for a minute after skimming the foam. Then, very gently and slowly pour the clear butterfat into a heatproof container, stopping before the milk solids at the bottom start to pour out.

6. Storing: Transfer the clarified butter to a suitable container. It’s ready to use immediately or can be refrigerated for future use. Clarified butter will solidify when cool but can be reheated.

Serving Suggestions

• Seafood Dipping Sauce: Pair with crab, lobster, or shrimp for a rich, flavorful experience.
• Cooking Medium: Ideal for sautéing or searing seafood, imparting a delicious Chesapeake Bay seasoning flavor.
• Enhancing Sauces: Add a touch to sauces or drizzles over seafood dishes for enhanced taste and richness.

Clarifying Chesapeake Bay seasoned compound butter, whether with or without specific kitchen tools, is a simple yet impactful way to upgrade your culinary creations. This method not only concentrates the butter's delightful flavors but also increases its smoke point, making it a versatile ingredient for cooking and enhancing the natural tastes of seafood. Enjoy exploring the depth of flavors this liquid gold adds to your dishes.