Preparing Meals with Fresh Herbs: Dill, Part 2

Let's face it.  No matter how healthy we like to eat, we all want something satisfying with tons of flavor and a nice mouth feel.  Butter makes everything taste better.  I love butter almost as much as I love bacon!  But butter can be boring.  Compound butters are so delightful in flavor.  Especially when put on hot food like salmon, carrots, or potatoes.  The heat of the food melts the butter which in turn warms up the herbs so that the herbs release their natural oils that give them such fragrance and flavor.  It is a love affair to say the least, and I'm sure you will become a big fan.  

1. 1 stick or 1/2 stick room temperature unsalted butter
2. 2 or 3 tbs minced baby dill
3. a bowl, spoon, spatula, and a plastic baggy or a sheet of plastic wrap
4. salt and pepper to taste
5. time and a freezer!!  

1. Gently combine all ingredients together with your spoon.
2. Take your spatula and gather up your butter
3. Turn a baggy inside out and "pull" the butter from the spatuala
4. Form a "log"
5. Place in freezer for 30 minutes
6. ENJOY!  :D

I absolutely adore this salad! I have to tell you the flavor is so amazing that I can not even put it into words! It is easy and a healthy alternative to the fat laden potato salads that are out there. Wonderful mouth feel, and intensely satisfying. You just can't get any better than this!

YOU WILL NEED:

1. 5 med-large red potatoes
2. 1/2 red onion, finely minced
3. 1 large celery stalk, finely minced
4. 1 dill or sweet pickle, cubed
5. 2 tbs baby dill, minced
6. 1 Cup sour cream
7. 1 tbs dijon mustard
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. squeeze of lemon (optional)
10. Mixing bowl and spatula

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Boil potatoes until fork tender
2. In a mixing bowl add: minced dill, onion, celery, cubed pickle, salt and pepper.
3. Drain potatoes and add cold water to pot to chill them. Let them stand for about 20-30 minutes, or place in fridge so they are cooled.
4. Mix mustard and sour cream in a bowl, then add to the other bowl.
5. Cube cooled potatoes, add to bowl
6. Gently fold everything together.
7. Let chill fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before serving
8. ENJOY!

You will need:

1. 1 Box Velveeta Shells and Cheese
2. 4 oz Cubed Ham or Chicken
3. 2 Tbs Minced Dill
4. 1/2 Cup Frozen Peas

Instructions:

1. Boil pasta according to package, add ham right before pasta is done.
2. Drain pasta and Ham, add frozen peas, and dill
3. Add cheese

This is a very cheap and easy way to use up some ham leftovers.  I use frozen peas with the hot pasta to help cool it down so you can eat it right away!  Tho not one of the healthiest of dinners, it is quick and satisfying for a cold night.