We love making several mason jars of this stuff! Our family spreads it on practically everything you can think of!

The idea of combining fruit with butter is not exactly new—it has its roots in both English and French cuisine with fruit curds and butters like lemon or apple butter being traditional favorites. But when the sweet tenderness of strawberries meets the rich luxuriousness of butter, it transforms into something quite exceptional: Strawberry Butter. Not only does it encapsulate the arrival of spring with its vibrant color and aroma, but it also adds an effortless gourmet twist to everyday meals. It's an excellent choice when you want to impress guests at a brunch or simply elevate your morning toast or afternoon scone.

Strawberry Butter pairs delightfully with warm, freshly-baked bread, scones, muffins, pancakes, and waffles. It can also serve as a surprising twist on the butter component in a PB&J sandwich, or it can bring a sweet note to cornbread and biscuits. On the more savory side, a small dollop on a newly grilled steak adds a whisper of sweetness and sophistication to the dish.

Servings: Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt

Directions:

1. Start by ensuring the butter is softened adequately—not melted, but pliable enough to be easily whipped. You're not looking for an arm workout here.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the softened butter until it's light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Gently fold in the finely diced strawberries, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt into the whipped butter. Use a spatula to combine, striving to distribute the berries evenly without over-mixing. You want to maintain some of those desirable little fruit pockets.

4. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference. Remember, the natural sweetness of the strawberries will come through, so be cautious with the sugar.

5. Transfer the strawberry butter to a serving dish, or if you prefer, scoop onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape into a log, and refrigerate until firm; this can make the butter easier to slice.

6. Allow the Strawberry Butter to chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Variations & Tips:

- For a zesty variation, add a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest, which can brighten up the flavor profile significantly.
- If strawberries are not in season, you can substitute high-quality strawberry preserves, but be mindful of the added sugars and adjust accordingly.
- When hosting a gathering, consider making mini versions of this Strawberry Butter, using an ice cube tray to shape the butter and then popping them out onto individual butter plates for an elegant touch.
- Store your Strawberry Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy it as it softens - a true delight with each use.