Butter is an essential ingredient in many recipes. However, measuring it can be tricky, especially if the recipe calls for cups instead of pounds. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will share two delicious recipes using butter and show you how to convert pounds to cups with ease.
Recipe 1: Classic Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 pound butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add the flour, one cup at a time, and mix until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Servings: 36 cookies | Calories per serving: 193 | Total fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 6mg | Total carbohydrates: 19g | Dietary fiber: 0g | Sugars: 7g | Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
These classic butter cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat or bring them to your next potluck or party.
Variations:
You can add different flavors to these cookies by mixing in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. You can also decorate them with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use other extracts like almond or lemon. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Storage:
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened before you start mixing it with the sugar. It should be at room temperature, but not melted.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Recipe 2: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped chives, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
Servings: 4 | Calories per serving: 359 | Total fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 285mg | Sodium: 557mg | Total carbohydrates: 2g | Dietary fiber: 0g | Sugars: 0g | Protein: 24g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press
- Tongs
Serving Suggestions:
This garlic butter shrimp is delicious served over rice or pasta. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
Variations:
You can add other flavors to this dish by using different herbs, like thyme or rosemary. You can also add some lemon juice or white wine to the butter sauce for a tangy twist.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead. You can also use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
Storage:
This dish is best served immediately, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips:
- Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined before cooking them.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and start to curl.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Personal Thoughts:
Both of these recipes are delicious and easy to make. The classic butter cookies are perfect for any occasion, and the garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful dinner idea. Converting pounds to cups is simple once you know the right ratio, and it opens up a whole new world of recipes to try. Give these recipes a try, and let us know what you think!