Today was an exciting day at the Carroll Gardens Farmer’s Market. There were ramps and asparagus! Seeing these signs of spring made me feel better about still wearing my winter coat on April 21st. I was hoping that Grazin’ Angus had some fresh cream so I could make my own butter, but they didn’t.  They did have their own butter, which I used for this recipe.  Thanks for Birdworms and Buttermilk for this great idea. I think this would be a great base for sautéing some of the asparagus I got this morning. I tasted a little bit of this today, and reluctantly froze the rest. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound butter, softened (I used unsalted, so I added salt to the recipe)
• 1 bunch ramps, cleaned
• zest and juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)

Directions:

1. Place butter in medium bowl; set aside.
2. Blanch ramps in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then place in an ice water bath to stop the cooking. Squeeze excess water and then chop the ramps.
3. Add the chopped ramps, zest, lemon juice, and salt (if using) to the butter and mix thoroughly with a spoon or spatula.
4. Form the butter into a log shape on a piece of parchment paper. Tightly roll the parchment paper around the butter, and twist the ends tootsie-roll style. Store in the freezer until you are ready to enjoy.

Posted by freshfrombrooklyn in local, preserving, projects, recipe, seasonal Tags: asparagus, butter, ramps