10,000 butter recipes

A treasured memory of Christmas at Great-Aunt Elizabeth's house was a cookie that I never learned to eat in moderation. Although my mother warned me not to say anything, one of the first things I would say upon arrival was, "I'm hungry" hoping that these cookies would appear. Much to my delight they usually did, and in fact, began also to appear at Easter, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and any other time we got together to celebrate.

Toasted vermicelli mingles with long-grain rice in buttery chicken broth for fluffy Armenian pilaf that rests before serving.

Lamb shoulder in pastry, a British-style boneless lamb roast wrapped in flaky pastry and baked golden. A traditional Sunday-dinner centerpiece with countryside roots.

Almond shortbread cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb, thanks to cornstarch in the dough. Five ingredients, no chilling required, and three dozen cookies ready in 30 minutes.

White chocolate macadamia nut brownies drizzled with a white chocolate cream sauce. Rich, buttery blondies with a fudgy center and crunchy macadamias in every bite.

Herbed spaghetti squash with mozzarella: roasted squash strands tossed with garlic butter, smoked mozzarella, and fresh basil. A low-carb, gluten-free pasta alternative.

A simple recipe for a sweet and delicious treat that is usually served when drenched with confectioners' sugar.

Rum pecan pie with a brandied butter crust, layered chopped pecans under a mosaic of pecan halves, and a dark rum and maple-kissed filling. Holiday dessert with a grown-up flavor twist.

Five quick chicken breast sautés ready in 25 minutes: Zesty Chutney, Herbed Parmesan, Paprika Stroganoff, Peppery Mustard, and Orange Honey. One protein, five flavor-packed weeknight dinners.

Hazelnut spiral cookies with a buttery shortbread-style dough rolled around toasted ground hazelnuts, sugar, and warm spices. Slice-and-bake elegance.

Silky asparagus soup with tender leeks and potatoes, finished with cream. This spring vegetable soup celebrates fresh asparagus in a warming, elegant bowl.

Creepy, fun Halloween eyeball cupcakes topped with vanilla buttercream frosting, red food coloring veins, and candy eyeballs. A spooky treat kids love to decorate and devour at Halloween parties.

Kreatopita Therini is a Greek summer meat pie with veal, zucchini, eggplant, and tomato baked between buttered phyllo layers. Fresh, herby, and golden-crisp on top.

Yaourtopita, a Greek yogurt cake with butter, almonds, and vanilla, lightened with whipped egg whites for an airy crumb. A traditional Greek baking gem served at room temperature.

Chicken breasts dipped in mustard butter, pressed with ground pecans, and pan-seared until golden. Finished with a tangy sour cream and mustard pan sauce poured over the top.

Potage Crecy is a classic French pureed carrot soup with rice, chicken stock, tomato paste, and heavy cream finished with butter. Silky smooth, naturally sweet, and garnished with delicate carrot curls.