Cranberry Meyer Lemon Butter

We’re not always caught up with the times around here.

I mean, my town has one stop light, so I guess it’s expected. The closest Target is 40 minutes away. The nearest Trader Joe’s is over 4 hours away (I know – how do I live like this?). So to think that I would see things like brussel sprouts still on the stalk or caramel almond butter is pretty much a dream.

But this weekend, I literally shrieked when I was walking through Food Lion. In the almost 9 years I’ve lived here, I had never seen meyer lemons before. Until now.

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And, obviously, I’m already addicted. Knowing my luck, last week was the only week they’ll have them and I’m going to go into meyer lemon withdrawal. If you don’t hear from me for a while…you’ll know why. Just in case I never see them again, I’m trying to make as many things with these little lemons as I can.

First up? Cranberry Meyer Lemon Butter.

Yup, flavored butter. I always thought it was such a fancy thing and that people didn’t really make flavored butters at home. I remember seeing Ina make a compound butter on her show one time and thinking “Who else but the Barefoot Contessa would make a flavored butter for one dish or one party?. But I didn’t know! I didn’t know it was a thing.

And now I’m hooked. I think it was the grapefruit vanilla and the walnut rosemary and the pizza butter I made last year, but this cranberry lemon is slowly taking first place in my own personal butter competition.

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Pulling a stick of flavored butter from your fridge to slice onto hot bread or biscuits or to drop onto a sizzling steak makes you feel like you’ve got it together. Even if you’re doing this in your pajamas.

These biscuits sure do seem fancy with cranberry lemon butter, but no one needs to know that it took you almost no time to whip it up.

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Cranberry Meyer Lemon Butter
Makes: about 1/2 cup butter

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 1 tsp honey
  • zest from 1 meyer lemon
  • 1 stick butter (salted), softened to room temperature

Directions:

  1. Toss the chopped fresh cranberries with the water and honey in a small bowl. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stopping to check every 30 seconds, until the cranberries are softened and broken down in the water and honey. Let them cool for a few minutes.
  2. Mix the lemon zest into the softened butter, and add in the cranberries once they have cooled. Mix everything together and drop onto a piece of plastic wrap.
  3. Wrap the butter up into a log shape, twist the ends of the plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge.
  4. Let soften at least 5-10 minutes before using. Slice onto biscuits or waffles or pancakes or hot bread, fresh from the oven.

18 comments

  1. I love making fun butter flavors and this is SO gorgeous and festive. Love it!

  2. Great timing! I was looking for something to give that would go along with the loaf of bread I’m making for a hostess gift. Thank you.

  3. I love this recipe! Compound butters are so much fun to make and I love how easy and versatile they are. I love your combination of cranberries and Meyer lemon. I better get my hands on the lemons before they are out of season. Great post!

  4. Prettiest butter ever! I love compound butters when I have a lot of friends and family around to help enjoy them. SO good!

  5. ooh, meyer lemons! i have some juice in my freezer for last winter… might have to use it before i stock up again ;) this butter sounds amazing!

  6. Mmm that sounds amazing!

  7. This cranberry butter looks amazing!! I absolutely adore cranberries, and man, I sure do love butter!!

  8. Mouthwatering lovelyness! This would be incredible on buttermilk pancakes.

  9. I absolutely love compound butter. Love the flavors you chose!

  10. What an awesome flavor combo! I am so happy meyer lemons came to your town – they really are special. :)

  11. So funny…today I bought a huge bowlful of Meyer Lemons. Their aroma is just intoxicating. What an amazing way to use these beauties up. The Meyer lemons are abundant this time of year and then they disappear….wah.

  12. I love the vibrant color of this butter. SO perfect for the holidays!

  13. This beautiful butter is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing and inspiring, Brandi!

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  15. i got just some meyer lemons and have been looking for uses! perfect!

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