I found this fantastic recipe for Cranberry Orange butter recently at Pat’s Pink Apron. I knew when I saw Pat’ beautiful photo that this recipe is something I want on my Christmas morning buffet table. Cranberry and orange are two of my favorite flavors and when they are combined…well, all I can say is f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s! I just couldn’t wait for Christmas and have already served this compound butter with warm buttermilk scones.
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup finely chopped sweetened dried cranberries, divided
- 2 tablespoons grated orange zest (I used 3)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- ⅓ cup pecans, toasted and rough chopped
- In a small bowl combine butter, 2 tablespoons chopped cranberries, orange zest and juice.
- On a flat surface place a large piece of parchment paper or wax paper. Spoon butter mixture into a 1-1/2-inch this log on the paper.
- Fold 1 edge of paper over the butter mixture and wrap or tuck it under the butter mixture. Smooth sides into an even log. Twist ends of paper in opposite directions to seal. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Remove parchment paper and roll the butter log in remaining chopped cranberries and pecans. The cranberries and pecans stick better if you let the butter soften for 15-20 minutes. Reroll butter log in parchment paper and seal ends. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Slice into pats to serve.
When I told Pat I was going to make this recipe she suggested that I add more orange zest, which I did (1 tablespoon for a total of 3). Thanks, Pat. I used salted butter that the recipe calls for and, after tasting, decided to add an additional 1/2 teaspoon salt along with a heaping tablespoon of powdered sugar. Because I really like nuts I added some chopped, toasted pecans to the cranberry coating. I love this recipe because it’s so easy to change it up a little bit depending on the occasion. Next time I will add a bit of finely chopped candied orange peel to the butter. Wouldn’t dried cherries or blueberries be delicious too?
I used a basic buttermilk scone recipe that I found at JoyofBaking.com. You can dress this recipe up a bit with some orange zest and a few dried cranberries to compliment the flavors of the butter. Plain is good too.
Other Wives with Knives cranberry recipes you might enjoy:
Cranberry Hazelnut Raincoast Crisps
Cranberry Buckle
Ina’s Easy Cranberry Apple Cake
To stay up to date with the latest recipes and travel posts from Wives with Knives, please subscribe here.
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
That is a beautiful butter to put on the table for the scones. Sure would be delicious on buttermilk biscuits too!
Ramona recently posted..Stare down
Wow Cathy the butter looks and sounds fantastic and I can just taste it on some hot from the oven buttermilk buscuits.
Larry recently posted..Tennessee Steak
In the immortal words of Ina and Paula: “How bad can that be”? I’ve done herb butters but never one like this. There will be a log or two residing in our freezer very soon.
Best,
Bonnie
Bonnie recently posted..Walnut-Cheese Cocktail Cookies
Oh Cathy, my heart is racing. This is so pretty and the nuts must give the buttert an incredible crunch. I’m definitely saving this to try.
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Start your morning off right with this 3 ingredient Cranberry Maple Syrup
That butter does look fabulous! I have to make it for the holidays. Perfect with scones-I usually make the Cranberry Scones from The Joy of Cooking-I’ll have to try the buttermilk recipe that you featured.
Thanks!
-Lynn
Thank you so much! I will make this for my darlings..
I love the web:)
Monique recently posted..Le Ketchup De Grand~ Maman Germaine~Soul Food #118~
Wow. Both recipes are wonderful. I am coming over….
Susan recently posted..Tampa Bay Brewing Company
So pretty! I love the flavors. Definitely making this one!
Carol @There’s Always Thyme to Cook recently posted..Spatchcocked again…
What great recipe and perfect for this time of the year; merci!
Rita
This is SO beautiful and I am crazy about cranberry-orange anything! I know what I will be putting on our Christmas table…
Advent Blessings,
Aimee
You’re killing me, Lady…you’re KILLING ME!! LOL I made your broccoli cheddar cheese soup a few days ago & now you tempt me with THIS??!!! EVIL, I say!
But you KNOW I’m gonna have to try it.
Your photo is spectacular & I can imagine the flavors already. *sigh* I’m never gonna lose any wt.
R.
Rettabug recently posted..Graham Cracker Cookies-Revisiting
Cathy, this butter would be so pretty on a buffet and I just know it would be delicious on hot scones. Yum! The pecans are a great addition too.
YES! I am sold and will be making this myself this Christmas too! LOVELY photos too Cathy.
Karen recently posted..Day Six on the Advent Calendar, Baking Mad and Christmas Orange Cookies
My first reaction was “oh my”! That sounds great and looks beautiful-enjoy:@)
Oh this looks amazing! I would love a bite of a scone slathered with this lovely butter right now!
Linda recently posted..Old Fashioned Apple Pie and other news….
the second i saw your picture my mouth instantly started watering. it looks so festive and delicious! excellent recipe!
teresa recently posted..Turkey Chickpea Burgers
Oh, this makes me think of how my little sister used to climb up on the cupboard and eat butter. I think I would be tempted to do the same – even without the scones. Yum. We MUST try this. Your photo is fabulous too. I will be pinning it!
Jacqueline recently posted..Gingerbread House Cakes
The windows in Paris are always so wonderful but at Christmas they are over the top beautiful.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..Asian Meatballs With Vegetable “Spaghetti”
What a wonderful idea to make flavored butter for Christmas brunch! I can almost taste it on those beautiful scones. Delightful!
Pat recently posted..It Smells Like Christmas!
What a wonderful Christmas hostess gift this would make.
I was thinking this tasty butter would be good with scones and then low and behold:D
ohwow, this is perfect for a Holiday brunch table … PERfect. Have to try it.
Lea Ann recently posted..Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
I just may have to make this for Christmas! Thanks Cathy ,it looks lovely.
Penny recently posted..Onion and Bacon Tart
Oh my goodness – that log of butter looks so pretty! That sounds so weird to say, bu it’s just beautiful. I love cranberry orange and this would taste fabulous spread atop those scones. Yum, love this idea and it looks so festive!
Becki’s Whole Life recently posted..Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cathy, this is perfect for the holidays and is a must try! You never fail to have something delicious that I want to make immediately!
Perfect for the holidays! What a way to dress up butter…love it!
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s on the side? Cheesy Mixed and Mashed Potatoes and Rutabaga
This looks SO good!!
Though I’m still ‘unplugged’ for the holidays, but had to stop and weigh in on this wonderful recipe! What a gorgeous and delicious idea – thanks! Merry Christmas, Cathy!
Vickie from Part Three recently posted..Blogging Break
This is definitely an oh wow recipe. Perfect for Christmas morning.
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes recently posted..Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Bars
It looks delicious, Cathy. I haven’t made flavored butter in awhile, and the cranberries make it look so festive for Christmas. I have to find the scone recipe I like, it was in Martha’s Everyday Food a few years ago, and it is one I like!
Kathleen recently posted..Something New~Something Old
This post is absolutely fetish-worthy and I’ve been inspired to include it in my Friday Food Fetish blog. If you have any objections, please let me know
JavelinWarrior recently posted..Food Fetish Friday
Cathy — this looks DEVINE! Perfect for Christmas brunch
CHRISTmas Blessings!
Gail
Gail@Faithfulness Farm recently posted..Spumoni Truffle Squares & Peppermint Oreo Truffles
I’m excited to make it! my mind went crazy and started to imagine all the combinations that I can make, thanks!
beti recently posted..Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
MMMMM,..that cranberry butter looks so appetizing & to use that on home – made scones is even better!
I also love the recipes of Joy of baking! Yum!
Sophie recently posted..Joy Bauer’s Food cures book review & 2 recipes from her new book!
This would be delicious any time of the year. I’m planning a wedding tea and think the butter would be the perfect thing for my scones. Gorgeous, too! Happy New Year to you
kellypea recently posted..2011: Food for Thought
Tried your wonderful recipe. I tweaked it, however. I used 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup cream cheese, the results were great, I hope you will try it next time.