The Red, White, and Blue Cheese Butter

It is Fourth of July weekend so of course the grill is getting a workout. When I look back at my childhood, I recall the smells of a half gallon of lighter fluid on burning coals just before the smell of burning meats and corn filling the air with a blanket of smoke. Towards the end of the night those fragrances changed to "punks" that were used to light the different explosive objects letting loose the final smell of burnt gun powder. I have not had many explosives since we moved to Georgia but I do cook more leading me to cook more than just hockey pucks on buns during the summer holiday season.

I found something this year, a recipe, that I believe was sent to me from heaven. It is a simple recipe that delivers a condiment of sorts that I am sure will be available in my house for a long time....Blue Cheese Butter. I made a Filet Mignon which I medallioned before I dropped pats of Blue Cheese Butter on them. It was wonderful. The Steak was simply seasoned with only some EVOO, salt and pepper. They did cook a little long for my liking. They cooked to medium well.....I am more of a medium rare guy. However the BCButter flavor with the grilled meat was perfect. The butter is a mixture of butter, blue cheese, garlic and pepper. I think the butter cut the taste of the Blue Cheese just enough to allow the distinct taste of Blue Cheese without it being overpowering. I loved it so much that the next night I made burgers (not hockey pucks!) that were topped with Blue Cheese Butter and grilled onions. It did not disappoint!

So now that I have rambled about the butter, I have to give the recipe!!

Blue Cheese Butter

Best used as a topping for steaks

• 1/4cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2ounces (about 1/3 cup) crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/4teaspoon ground black pepper

In a small bowl combine all the butter ingredients. With the back of a fork mash the butter mixture until evenly distributed.

More than I loved the Blue Cheese Butter, I love that I live in a country that allows me to be able to do things like cook what I want and then write about it freely. That is something that we tend to take for granted. I thank God that I was born an American. I thank God for all the sacrifice that have been made to give this country our freedom. So Happy Birthday America!! God Bless the Red, White, and Blue (cheese butter!!).