Land O’Lakes butter is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your cooking and baking. Its high fat content of around 82% provides rich flavor and creates flaky textures in pastries. This premium butter works well for sautéing, pan-frying, and caramelizing vegetables over low heat to enhance their natural sweetness.
When cooking with Land O’Lakes butter, start by preheating your pan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt before introducing other ingredients. Adjust the heat as needed while cooking to prevent burning. For baking, the unsalted variety is often preferred as it allows precise control over seasoning in recipes.
Land O’Lakes offers both salted and unsalted options to suit different culinary needs. The salted butter shines when served at the table with bread or used to flavor dishes like mashed potatoes. The unsalted version, made with sweet cream, has a mild flavor that complements other ingredients in baked goods and savory recipes.
The Basics of Land O’Lakes Butter
Land O’Lakes offers high-quality butter products for cooking and baking needs. Their butter comes in different varieties and grades to suit various culinary applications.
Types of Land O’Lakes Butter
Land O’Lakes produces salted and unsalted butter options. Salted butter contains added salt, enhancing flavor and acting as a preservative. It’s ideal for spreading on bread or melting over vegetables.
Unsalted butter allows more control over seasoning in recipes. It’s preferred for baking, where precise salt levels are crucial. Land O’Lakes unsalted butter has a clean, fresh cream taste.
The company also offers specialty butters like European Style, which has a higher fat content (82-84%) compared to regular butter (80%). This results in flakier pastries and richer sauces.
Understanding Butter Grades
Butter grades indicate quality and characteristics. Land O’Lakes primarily produces Grade AA butter, the highest quality available. Grade AA butter has a smooth, creamy texture and fresh flavor.
The grading system considers factors like flavor, body, color, and salt content. Grade AA butter must score 93 points or higher on these criteria. It has minimal defects and a pleasing aroma.
Grade A butter is also high-quality but may have slight flavor variations. Grade B is used mainly in food manufacturing. Land O’Lakes’ commitment to quality ensures consistent Grade AA butter for consumers.
Preparation Techniques with Butter
Land O’Lakes butter offers versatility in cooking and baking. Mastering key preparation techniques unlocks its full potential in various dishes.
Creating Compound Butter
Compound butter elevates meals with concentrated flavors. Start with softened Land O’Lakes butter at room temperature. Mix in herbs, spices, or other ingredients to create custom flavor profiles.
For savory options, try garlic and herbs or sun-dried tomatoes. Sweet variations include honey-cinnamon or orange zest. Form the mixture into a log using plastic wrap. Chill until firm.
Slice compound butter to top steaks, fish, or vegetables. It melts beautifully, infusing dishes with rich taste. Store unused portions in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Clarifying Butter for Sauces and Cooking
Clarified butter, or ghee, has a higher smoke point than regular butter. This makes it ideal for high-heat cooking and sauces.
To clarify, melt Land O’Lakes butter in a saucepan over low heat. Skim off the foam that rises to the top. Pour the clear liquid through a cheesecloth, leaving milk solids behind.
Use clarified butter for delicate sauces like hollandaise. It’s also perfect for sautéing and frying without burning. Clarified butter has a longer shelf life and can be stored at room temperature.
Browning Butter for Flavor Enhancement
Brown butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Heat Land O’Lakes butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat.
Stir constantly as the butter melts and begins to foam. Watch for golden-brown specks to form at the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat when the butter smells nutty and is amber in color.
Use brown butter in pasta dishes, cookies, or drizzled over vegetables. It adds depth to sauces and frostings. Cool before using in baked goods to prevent altering the recipe’s texture.
Selecting Ingredients for Butter-Based Dishes
Quality ingredients enhance butter’s rich flavor and creamy texture in cooking. Careful selection of complementary components elevates butter-based dishes.
Pairing Vegetables and Butter
Butter pairs exceptionally well with certain vegetables. Asparagus, green beans, and carrots benefit from butter’s richness. Brussels sprouts and corn develop a delightful sweetness when cooked with butter.
For root vegetables like potatoes and parsnips, butter adds depth and smoothness. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale become more palatable with a touch of butter.
Mushrooms absorb butter beautifully, creating an umami-rich side dish. Butternut squash and sweet potatoes gain a velvety texture when combined with butter.
Herbs and Spices that Complement Butter
Fresh herbs elevate butter-based dishes. Parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor. Thyme and rosemary infuse butter with aromatic notes. Chives provide a mild onion taste that complements butter well.
Dried herbs work too. Oregano, basil, and tarragon blend nicely with butter. For spices, paprika and cumin add warmth. Nutmeg enhances butter’s richness in baked goods.
Red pepper flakes introduce a spicy kick to butter sauces. Black pepper is a classic addition that balances butter’s richness. Garlic powder or granulated garlic infuse butter with savory depth.
The Role of Garlic and Olive Oil
Garlic and butter form a classic flavor combination. Minced fresh garlic sautéed in butter creates a fragrant base for many dishes. Roasted garlic cloves mashed into softened butter make a delicious spread.
Olive oil can be used alongside butter to prevent burning at high temperatures. This combination works well for sautéing vegetables or searing meats. Extra virgin olive oil adds fruity notes to compound butters.
For a Mediterranean twist, mix butter with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. This blend is excellent for brushing on bread or finishing pasta dishes.
Cooking Methods with Butter
Land O’Lakes butter enhances flavor and texture across various cooking techniques. Its versatility shines in sautéing, grilling, baking, and roasting applications.
Sautéing with Butter
Sautéing with butter creates rich, flavorful dishes. Heat a pan over medium and add butter. Once melted, add ingredients and cook, stirring frequently. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
For delicate items like fish or vegetables, use a lower temperature. Heartier foods like beef can handle higher heat. Butter’s milk solids brown quickly, imparting a nutty taste.
Try clarified butter for higher-heat sautéing. It has a higher smoke point and won’t burn as easily. Land O’Lakes clarified butter works well for this purpose.
Using Butter for Grilling
Butter elevates grilled meats and vegetables. Brush melted butter on food before grilling for added flavor and to prevent sticking. Alternatively, place a pat of butter on top of grilled meats just before serving.
For an extra flavor boost, create compound butters. Mix softened Land O’Lakes butter with herbs, spices, or garlic. Form into a log, chill, and slice. Place a disc on hot grilled steaks or chicken.
When grilling delicate foods like fish, use a butter-soaked cedar plank. This technique infuses moisture and flavor while preventing sticking.
Baking and Roasting with Butter
Butter is essential in baking, providing flavor, texture, and structure to baked goods. For cookies and cakes, cream room temperature Land O’Lakes butter with sugar until light and fluffy.
In pie crusts, cut cold butter into flour for flaky layers. For biscuits and scones, grate frozen butter into dry ingredients.
When roasting, brush melted butter on poultry or vegetables before cooking. Baste periodically for a golden, flavorful exterior. For a crispy skin on roast chicken, rub softened butter under the skin before roasting.
Recipes Showcasing Land O’Lakes Butter
Land O’Lakes butter enhances a variety of dishes, from sweet treats to savory mains. Its rich flavor and creamy texture elevate both simple and complex recipes.
Cookies and Baked Goods
Land O’Lakes butter shines in classic butter cookies. Cream 1 cup softened butter with sugar, add egg yolks and vanilla, then mix in flour and salt. Shape into balls, flatten, and bake until edges are lightly browned.
For flaky pastries, use cold Land O’Lakes butter. Cut it into small cubes and work quickly to incorporate into the dough. This technique creates layers that puff up during baking.
Buttercream frosting benefits from Land O’Lakes butter’s smooth consistency. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla, adding milk as needed for spreading consistency.
Main Courses and Grilled Steak
Grilled steak gains depth from a Land O’Lakes butter finish. After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes, then top with a pat of herb-infused butter. The heat melts the butter, creating a flavorful sauce.
For a quick pan sauce, deglaze the steak pan with wine or broth. Reduce the liquid, then whisk in cold Land O’Lakes butter pieces. This creates a silky, rich sauce that complements the meat perfectly.
Butter-basted fish is another easy recipe. Melt butter in a pan, add herbs, and spoon over the fish as it cooks. The butter browns slightly, developing a nutty flavor.
Sides and Vegetarian Options
Mashed potatoes reach new heights with Land O’Lakes butter. Boil potatoes until tender, drain, then mash with warm milk and melted butter. The butter adds richness and a silky texture.
Roasted vegetables benefit from a butter coating. Toss cut vegetables with melted Land O’Lakes butter, salt, and herbs before roasting. The butter helps crisp the edges and enhance flavors.
For a vegetarian main, try butter-basted mushrooms. Sauté mushrooms in a mix of Land O’Lakes butter and olive oil. Add garlic and herbs near the end of cooking for an aromatic finish.
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
Land O’Lakes butter can significantly elevate the taste and mouthfeel of various dishes. Its high-quality composition allows for versatile cooking applications that bring out the best in ingredients.
Creating Creamy Sauces
Butter forms the foundation of many luxurious sauces. To create a velvety sauce, start by melting Land O’Lakes butter in a pan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly add liquid, such as milk or stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
For a béchamel sauce, use a 1:1 ratio of butter to flour, then add milk. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. This versatile sauce can be used as a base for cheese sauces or in dishes like lasagna.
For a rich hollandaise, melt butter and keep it warm. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with lemon juice over simmering water. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
Caramelizing Techniques with Butter
Caramelizing with butter brings out natural sweetness in foods. To caramelize onions, melt butter in a pan over low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown and sweet.
For caramelized vegetables, cut them into uniform pieces. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, add the vegetables, and cook until they develop a golden-brown color. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
To make a caramel sauce, melt sugar in a dry pan until amber-colored. Carefully add butter and whisk until combined. Slowly pour in cream, whisking constantly. Cook until smooth and thickened.
Whipping Butter for Smoothness
Whipped butter adds a light, airy texture to dishes. To whip butter, start with room temperature Land O’Lakes butter. Cut it into cubes and place in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
For flavored whipped butter, add herbs, spices, or honey during the whipping process. Try garlic and parsley for savory applications or cinnamon and sugar for sweet dishes.
Use whipped butter as a spread for bread, to top baked potatoes, or to finish off grilled meats. It melts more quickly and evenly than solid butter, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Land O’Lakes butter contains 100 calories per tablespoon (14 grams). It is composed entirely of fat, with no carbohydrates or protein.
The fat content of Land O’Lakes butter is typically around 80-82%. This high fat percentage contributes to its rich flavor and excellent performance in baking and cooking applications.
Land O’Lakes butter is a good source of vitamin A, providing approximately 17% of the daily recommended value per tablespoon.
For those monitoring their sodium intake, it’s important to note the difference between salted and unsalted varieties. Salted butter contains added sodium, while unsalted butter allows for more precise seasoning control in recipes.
When incorporating Land O’Lakes butter into a balanced diet, moderation is key. While it adds flavor and richness to dishes, it’s also calorie-dense and high in saturated fat.
For individuals with specific dietary needs or restrictions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine appropriate butter consumption levels.
Preserving and Storing Butter
Land O’Lakes recommends storing butter in its original carton in the refrigerator. This protects it from absorbing other flavors and odors.
For longer-term storage, butter can be frozen. Place the sticks in their original packaging in the freezer. Use frozen butter within 4 months for best quality.
When ready to use frozen butter, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to uneven softening.
To soften refrigerated butter for baking or spreading:
- Let it stand at room temperature for 30-45 minutes
- Cut into small chunks and let sit for 15 minutes
- Place in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in warm water
Don’t leave butter at room temperature for more than 4 hours. Always return unused portions to the refrigerator promptly.
For baking, soften butter just until it yields to light pressure. Over-softened butter can affect recipe texture and consistency.
Proper storage extends butter’s shelf life. Refrigerated, unopened butter lasts about 4 months past the printed date. Once opened, use within 1-2 months for best quality.
Building a Butter-Infused Menu
Land O’Lakes butter elevates dishes with rich flavor and smooth texture. Incorporating it thoughtfully into menus creates memorable dining experiences for any occasion.
Seasonal Butter Dishes
Spring calls for herb-infused butter to complement fresh vegetables. Mix chopped dill, parsley, and chives into softened butter. Spread on grilled asparagus or roasted new potatoes.
Summer dishes shine with citrus butter. Blend lemon or lime zest into butter and dollop on grilled fish or corn on the cob.
Fall menus feature warm spices. Cinnamon-honey butter pairs perfectly with roasted squash or sweet potatoes.
Winter comfort foods benefit from savory compound butters. Mix roasted garlic or caramelized onions into butter. Top hearty steaks or mashed potatoes.
Pairing Wines and Butters
Light, crisp white wines complement herbed or citrus butters. Try Sauvignon Blanc with dill butter on salmon.
Full-bodied whites pair well with rich, creamy butters. Chardonnay enhances lobster with drawn butter.
Bold red wines stand up to savory compound butters. Cabernet Sauvignon complements steak topped with blue cheese butter.
Sweet dessert wines match fruit-infused butters. Late harvest Riesling pairs nicely with peach butter on scones.
Menu Ideas for Special Occasions
Holiday feasts shine with flavored butters. Sage butter basted turkey. Cranberry butter for dinner rolls. Brandy butter sauce on plum pudding.
Valentine’s Day calls for decadence. Truffle butter on filet mignon. Strawberry butter for chocolate fondue.
Summer barbecues feature grilled favorites. Chipotle lime butter for corn. Herb butter under chicken skin. Garlic butter to baste shrimp.
Brunch menus incorporate sweet and savory options. Maple butter for waffles. Chive butter for omelets. Cinnamon butter for toast.
Beyond Cooking: Other Uses for Butter
Land O’Lakes butter has applications that extend beyond the kitchen. This versatile product can be used in skincare routines and craft projects, offering benefits for both beauty and creativity.
Butter in Homemade Skincare
Butter serves as a natural moisturizer in DIY skincare products. Its high fat content nourishes and softens skin. To create a simple body butter, melt Land O’Lakes unsalted butter and mix it with coconut oil and essential oils. This combination creates a rich, creamy texture ideal for dry skin.
Butter can also be used in lip balms. Combine melted butter with beeswax and a touch of honey for a soothing, protective layer on lips. For a nourishing hair mask, warm butter and apply it to dry ends, leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing.
Crafting with Butter
Butter plays a role in various craft projects. It can be used to make homemade modeling clay. Mix flour, salt, and butter to create a pliable dough for children’s art projects or decorative items. The fat in butter helps keep the clay soft and workable.
In candle making, butter can be added to soy wax to create a creamier texture and enhance scent throw. Melt butter with soy wax flakes and add fragrance oils for unique, handcrafted candles. Butter also acts as a natural mold release agent for soap making, ensuring easy removal of finished soaps from molds.