Using a set of two grooved wooden “butter paddles”—an item so archaic it isn’t even sold on Amazon.com—she cut chunks of butter from the stick and paddled them into perfectly round balls, nicely patterned by the grooves.

The butter balls were set on the table in a lovely porcelain dish. Those wishing butter (and in those days, we all did) helped themselves to a ball or two.

When we started to host dinner parties, we had no paddles and needed to find an alternative. Our solution: butter ramekins.

Perhaps it didn’t have the wow factor of those golden orbs of paddled butter, but it was much faster to make.
 
 
FANCY BUTTER RECIPE

All you need are butter, a ramekin, a spatula and a fresh herb garnish. Then:

1. Soften 2 sticks of butter until they are malleable.

3. With a sharp knife, cut a crosshatch of grooves onto the top of the butter. If the butter is too soft, stick it in the fridge for 10 minutes.

4. Garnish with a rosemary sprig or other fresh herbs, such as two short chive “plumes” inseted vertically, or a rim of finely-minced chives. You can also press a single large parsley or cilantro leaf into the top, and/or sprinkle some Hawaiian red sea salt (alaea), coarse pink sea salt, tri-color whole peppercorns or coarse-ground black pepper.
 
 
MORE BUTTERY GOODNESS

Find butter tips and recipes for flavored butters (compound butters) in our Butter Section.

Check out all the different types of butter.

How many types of butter have you had? See our Butter Glossary.
  

The sweet and savory flavors are not only delicious; they’re healthier snacks, as well (popcorn is a whole grain).

The business began as a passion for “Crunch Daddy” Dan Bazis, who started out simply trying to improve the recipe for kettle corn.

He then envisioned the potential for a gourmet popcorn business, and spent several years exploring flavors, refining recipes, sourcing ingredients and equipment and creating a website—all the while “navigating the tangled web of regulations that govern the operation of a small business like mine.”

We think he’s done a great job, and you don’t need a gift occasion to enjoy his wares. Buy them for yourself, as well as for the dads in your life.

TERRIFIC GOURMET POPCORN FLAVORS

Maple Bacon Crunch popcorn: It’s maplebacalicious! Photo by Elvira Kalviste | THE NIBBLE.

 
We loved them all!

EDITOR’S NOTE 2020: We regret to report that Crunch Daddy is no longer operational.

Give them as party favors, send them to kids at camp. Enjoy more popcorn, the better-for-you snack.

A praline bacon appetizer, side or cheese
course. Photo courtesy Wisconsin Milk
Marketing Board.

The praline-crusted bacon with its peppery kick contrasts with the creamy saltiness of blue cheese. The mouthfeel is unforgettably lush and the flavor is addictive.

Serve it as an appetizer, as a cheese course after the main course, or as a sophisticated side with breakfast eggs.

BLUE CHEESE WITH PRALINE BACON

Ingredients

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Combine all ingredients but the bacon in a wide, shallow dish. Dip and press each slice of bacon in the praline mixture on both sides.

3. Lay bacon strips on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle additional praline mixture over the bacon slices in the pan.

4. Roast the bacon until the fat begins to render, about 6 minutes. Rotate the pan front-to-back and continue roasting until the bacon is crisp and brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.

5. Remove, cool and break or cut bacon into bite-sized pieces. Serve warm or room temperature with the blue cheese and optional garnish.

This recipe is courtesy of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.