Smoked Garlic and Herb Butter Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Special equipment needed:
- Smoker or grill
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil.
3. Place the garlic packet on the smoker or grill and smoke for 1 hour.
4. Remove the garlic from the smoker or grill and let it cool.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the butter mixture.
7. Use a fork or whisk to mix everything together until well combined.
8. Transfer the butter mixture to a small bowl or ramekin and cover with plastic wrap.
9. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
5. Temperature:
Smoker or grill temperature: 225°F
Serving size:
Makes 1 cup of butter

Nutritional information:
Calories: 102 calories per tablespoon
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 60mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dried thyme and rosemary if fresh herbs are not available.
- Regular paprika can be used instead of smoked paprika, but it will not have the same smoky flavor.

Variations:
- Add some lemon zest or juice for a citrusy twist.
- Use different herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, to customize the flavor.
- Add some grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy garlic butter.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Use a fork or whisk to mix the ingredients together, as a mixer can overwork the butter and make it too soft.
- If you don't have a smoker or grill, you can roast the garlic in the oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes.

Storage instructions:
Store the smoked garlic and herb butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating instructions:
Allow the butter to come to room temperature before using it. You can also microwave it for a few seconds to soften it if needed.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the smoked garlic and herb butter in a small bowl or ramekin.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary.

Pairings:
This butter is perfect for spreading on bread, crackers, or vegetables. It also pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the smoked garlic and herb butter with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the butter is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving.
- If the butter is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the butter in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food history:
Garlic butter has been a popular condiment for centuries, with variations found in many different cuisines around the world.

Flavor profiles:
This smoked garlic and herb butter has a rich, smoky flavor with hints of thyme and rosemary.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the butter at room temperature for easy spreading.

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Taste: Savory, Smoky, Herbal, Garlicky, Rich