Maddie James
Butter candles are a fun and creative way to serve warm, flavoured butter alongside a variety of dishes. The basic concept involves freezing a mixture of butter and various seasonings, with a food-safe wick inserted, which is then lit and allowed to melt, creating a warm butter dip. This dip can be served with a variety of foods, but it is particularly popular with bread, creating an interactive and enjoyable dining experience. The versatility of butter candles allows them to be customised for different occasions, from breakfast to dinner, and even as unique appetizers for special events. Whether it's a sweet cinnamon butter candle for a cosy evening or a savoury garlic butter candle for a festive gathering, the possibilities for customisation are endless.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of food served with | Bread, steak, pancakes, waffles, muffins, rice, noodles, vegetables, seafood, meats |
| Type of bread served with | Sourdough, Italian, homemade no-knead, baguette, homemade Witch Finger Breadsticks |
| Type of butter | Salted, unsalted, garlic butter, cinnamon butter, herbed butter, jalapeño butter |
| Type of wick | Food-safe, non-edible, made from cotton, hemp, beeswax-coated hemp, kitchen twine |
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What You'll Learn
The best types of bread to serve with a butter candle
- Sourdough: Sourdough bread, with its tangy flavour and chewy texture, is a popular choice for butter candles. Both sourdough batards and boules can work well, depending on your preference.
- Italian bread: A crusty Italian loaf, such as ciabatta or ficelle, can add a nice texture and flavour to the butter candle experience.
- Homemade no-knead bread: If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own no-knead bread to serve with your butter candle. These recipes are typically easy to follow and result in a delicious, crusty loaf.
- Baguette: A fresh baguette, lightly toasted or served plain, can be a great accompaniment to a butter candle. It provides a variety of textures and flavours to enjoy with the melted butter.
- Pumpkin Sourdough: For a festive fall treat, pair a cinnamon butter candle with pumpkin sourdough bread. The sweet and spicy flavours of cinnamon and pumpkin will complement each other perfectly.
When serving bread with a butter candle, it's important to create a hole in the centre of the loaf that is just large enough for the candle to fit snugly. This allows the bread to catch the melted butter as it drips down the sides of the candle. You can also serve additional bread on the side, such as toasted baguette slices or homemade breadsticks, for guests who prefer not to tear off pieces of bread with their hands.
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How to make a butter candle
A butter candle is a fun and creative way to serve butter, and it makes a great gift or addition to a celebration. It is an edible candle that sits inside a loaf of bread. You can use any type of sourdough bread with this homemade butter candle. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious butter candle:
Ingredients and Equipment:
- 250g of butter (approximately 2 sticks or 2 cups)
- Salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference and other seasonings
- Fresh herbs of your choice, such as basil, mint, cilantro, or rosemary
- Spices like cinnamon, ginger, vanilla powder, or allspice for a sweet candle
- A food-safe wick, made from organic hemp or cotton without any wax or chemical coatings
- A paper cup or plastic cup as a mould for the candle
- A wick holder, or tape to secure the wick
- A sharp knife
- A saucepan or batter jug
- A microwave
Method:
First, prepare your butter by letting it soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Finely chop your chosen herbs and spices, and add them to the butter along with salt and pepper, if using. You can use an electric mixer to whip the butter until it is soft and fluffy.
Next, prepare your mould. If using a paper cup, cut a small hole in the bottom. Place the wick inside the cup, securing it with the wick holder or tape to ensure it remains centred. If using a plastic cup, you can simply remove the butter candle by cutting the cup after it has set.
Now, carefully pour or spoon the butter mixture into the cup, ensuring the wick stays centred. Place the butter candle in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight, to firm up.
Finally, when you are ready to serve, remove the candle from the freezer and place it in the centre of your chosen loaf of bread. Light the wick and enjoy the warm, melted butter by dipping pieces of bread or other foods into it. The butter will start to melt after about 15-30 minutes, creating a fun and interactive experience for your guests!
You can make these butter candles in advance and store them in the freezer, ready to impress your friends and family at your next gathering!
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The best herbs and seasonings to add to a butter candle
A butter candle is a fun, edible candle that adds light, ambiance, and interactivity to your dining table. The best herbs and seasonings to add to a butter candle depend on the occasion and your personal preference.
If you're serving the candle for breakfast or brunch, consider adding cinnamon and honey to make a sweet edible candle. Cinnamon butter candles are also perfect for chilly evenings, as they add an extra touch of autumn comfort. Cinnamon-flavoured butter tastes amazing with pumpkin sourdough bread and can be served as a festive fall treat.
For a classic option, you can make an herbed butter candle with two tablespoons of freshly chopped herbs of your choice. Some popular herbs to use include mint, cilantro, green onions, rosemary, thyme, flat-leaf parsley, sage, basil, dill, tarragon, and chives. You can also add other ingredients like garlic or jalapeño to make garlic butter or jalapeño butter.
If you're looking for a savoury option, a garlic butter candle is a tasty and cosy way to enjoy bread and butter. You can also add some parmesan cheese to your garlic butter candle for an extra kick of flavour.
When making a butter candle, it's important to use a food-safe wick, such as one made from organic hemp, beeswax-coated hemp, or cotton twine. You can also use kitchen twine, which is typically used for tying up roasts and can be found in grocery stores or online. Remember to always do your own research to ensure the safety of the ingredients you use.
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How to present a butter candle
A butter candle is a fun and creative way to serve warm, flavoured butter alongside a variety of dishes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to present a delicious and visually appealing butter candle:
Choose Your Flavours
Firstly, decide on the flavours you want to infuse into your butter. This can include roasted garlic, fresh or dried herbs, cinnamon, honey, parmesan cheese, or even jalapeños. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite blend.
Prepare the Butter
Using a blender or an electric mixer, combine softened or melted butter with your chosen ingredients. For a smoother consistency, blend until the mixture is thoroughly combined. You can adjust the flavour by adding more of your chosen ingredients to suit your taste.
Select a Suitable Wick
It is important to use a food-safe wick to ensure that your butter candle is safe for consumption. Look for wicks made from organic hemp, beeswax, or food-safe cotton twine. Avoid wicks with metal cores, as these can introduce toxic chemicals into the butter as it burns.
Mould the Candle
There are two popular methods for moulding your butter candle: hand shaping and pouring. For a rustic look, hand shaping can be a fun option, but be sure to use food-safe gloves. Alternatively, melting the butter and pouring it into a mould is a simpler method. You can use a Pringles can, a paper cup, or a shallow container like a ramekin or small dish.
When using a mould, press the wick into the bottom centre of the container, leaving about half an inch of the wick exposed. Then, slowly fill the mould with your prepared butter, tapping the container firmly against the counter after each layer to remove any air bubbles. Smooth the top of the butter and cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating for at least an hour, or preferably overnight.
Presentation Ideas
Now it's time to present your butter candle! Choose a large, round, crusty loaf of bread, such as sourdough, Italian bread, or a homemade no-knead loaf. Cut a hole in the centre of the loaf, large enough to fit your butter candle snugly. You can also cut the loaf into pieces, leaving the base intact, to make dipping easier.
Place the butter candle in the centre of the loaf and trim the wick to about half an inch. Surround the loaf with toasted baguette slices, breadsticks, or other bread options. For a festive touch, add a pepperoni rose, fresh berries, or greenery to your platter.
Light the candle about 15 to 20 minutes before your guests arrive to allow the butter to melt slowly. As the candle burns, the warm, flavoured butter will create a delicious dip for your bread. Always exercise caution and do not leave the burning candle unattended.
With these steps, you'll be able to create a unique and memorable butter candle that will impress your guests and add a fun, interactive element to your table.
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What to serve with a butter candle besides bread
A butter candle is a fun and creative way to add a cosy, memorable touch to any meal. While bread is the classic accompaniment, there are several other options to consider serving with a butter candle.
If you're serving breakfast or brunch, pancakes, waffles, or freshly baked muffins are delicious options to dip into the warm, melted butter. You could also offer a selection of pastries or toast, such as cinnamon raisin toast or brioche. For a savoury twist, offer a side of crispy bacon or sausage links for dipping.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the butter candle with a main course such as steak frites, seafood, or roasted vegetables. The warm, melted butter will complement these dishes perfectly. You could also provide a variety of cooked potatoes, such as roasted baby potatoes, mashed potatoes, or crispy potato wedges.
If you're looking for a lighter option, a butter candle can also be served with a simple side of rice or noodles. To enhance the flavour, consider mixing herbs, spices, or garlic into the butter before it sets. This will create a compound butter that will add a burst of flavour to your dish.
When serving a butter candle, it's important to use a food-safe wick and ensure it is placed on a platter to catch any butter drips. Always exercise caution and never leave a burning butter candle unattended. With these tips, you can enjoy the unique and interactive experience of a butter candle with a variety of delicious accompaniments.
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Frequently asked questions
A butter candle can be served at a Halloween party, Christmas Eve dinner, or New Year's Eve dinner party. It can also be served for breakfast or brunch.
A butter candle can be paired with a crusty loaf of bread, such as sourdough, Italian bread, homemade no-knead bread, or a baguette. It can also be paired with pancakes, waffles, freshly baked muffins, rice, noodles, vegetables, seafood, and meats.
There are sweet and savoury butter candles. Sweet butter candles can be made with cinnamon and honey or cinnamon and powdered sugar. Savoury butter candles can be made with roasted garlic, herbs, or parmesan cheese.
To make a butter candle, first, melt the butter. Then, add other ingredients such as garlic, herbs, or cinnamon. Next, pour the mixture into a mould or container and insert a food-safe wick. Finally, chill the butter candle until it is solid.
It is important to use a food-safe wick to avoid leaching chemicals into the butter. The butter candle should also be placed on a platter to catch any butter drips or puddles. Additionally, it should not be left unattended while burning.
