Best Fines Herbes Butter Recipes

SNAILS IN A WHITE BUTTER SAUCE WITH HERBS (ESCARGOTS AUX FINES HERBES)

Steps:

• Prepare the snails and set them aside.
• Remove the core from the lettuce. Wash the leaves well. Drain well. Stack the leaves and cut them into very thin shreds. There should be about eight cups loosely packed. Set aside.
• Heat two tablespoons of the butter in a skillet and add the lettuce. Cook, stirring, until wilted.
• Combine the shallots, wine and vinegar in a saucepan. Bring to the boil. Cook over high heat until most of the liquid is evaporated.
• Cut the remaining four tablespoons of butter into cubes.
• Stir the shallots with a wire whisk and cook over low heat while adding the butter, two or three cubes at a time. Continue stirring vigorously until all the butter is added. Add the anchovy paste, tarragon, chives and basil.
• Heat the tomato about five seconds in a hot skillet, stirring. Add it to the butter sauce.
• Reheat the lettuce. Spoon an equal portion on top of each toast rectangle. Arrange three snails neatly on the lettuce. Spoon the sauce over each serving and serve.

FINES HERBES BUTTER

Steps:

• Chop together 1 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, 1/4 cup each packed stemmed spinach and watercress leaves, and 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh chives. Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh chervil, tarragon, basil, dill, thyme, or sorrel (either a single herb or in any combination) and chop again to blend the flavors. Put in a bowl and mix in 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon anchovy paste. Add 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter until the herbs have been thoroughly blended and the butter is completely green. [Editor: Melt a tablespoon of this butter on top of grilled lamb chops or fish, or stir into plain cooked vegetables.]