Every year, on the day before Thanksgiving, the kids and I kick off the holiday season with a trip to the fanciest department store in town, for lunch in their fancy little restaurant. The mall is practically deserted because everyone is busy preparing for Thanksgiving, so we eat, shop, and visit Santa in peace.
It’s been our tradition for the eight years since we moved back to Texas. We love it, and look forward to that special day all year. Unfortunately, this year, Babygirl got sick at the fancy restaurant. And not just a little sick. Obviously, that’s been a bummer for her, but she was mostly upset that our tradition was ruined, because there’s no way she’ll ever step foot in that fancy little restaurant again!
Truth be told, the best thing about our lunch was always the fresh strawberry butter with hot popovers. Since she’s finally feeling better, I decided to surprise her with our own version.
Fast and easy is the game around here, remember? Soften the butter at room temperature, then whip until smooth. Add preserves and continue blending.
Transfer the strawberry butter to a lidded jar…these Weck jars with the adorable strawberry motif on the side of the glass are pretty much perfect. (You can also find them here and here.) Chill the butter until ready to serve. You can also roll it in a log between plastic wrap and freeze.
Sure you could use fresh strawberries, but the preserves add the right amount of sweet, and make the butter a pretty pink color. (Not to mention, super simple!) I also prefer salted butter…it gives it the perfect hint of sweet and salty. This girl doesn’t bake homemade popovers, but I can manage to warm croissants.
I don’t know which is best…the strawberry butter, or seeing it in such a cute little package. We’ve been slathering it on everything in sight, but it would also make a sweet gift. Can’t you just see it smothered on hot biscuits for Valentine’s Day?!
Having our own strawberry butter didn’t erase Babygirl’s bad experience, but I hope it’s helped to replace it with new memories.
I love that Neiman Marcus' Strawberry Butter! Love it!! I'm totally going to make your version!
I love it too, I just don't love their egg salad anymore 😉
That looks so yummy and super easy! I'll definitely be making this in the near future.
What a sweet tradition with your little girl. I'm so sorry she got sick. This looks delicious and I think my kids would like it ,too:)
Thanks so much, Kathy — she's finally feeling better now! xo
YUM! and I agree with Kathy, what a sweet tradition… but sucky she got sick! 🙁
SO sucky…but better now! Thanks, Jamie! xo
Making popovers is super simple! Preheat the popover pan (you can use a muffin pan in a pinch, but the popovers won't be as tall). I use my stick blender to make the batter- it's easier than pancakes.
I might have to take your word for it, Ashley! 😉
Mmmmm!! Having fancy butter at home readily available is way better than a fancy restaurant! Hope you guys find a new tradition (and restaurant) you love just as much!
Mr. Sugarplum surprised us all with a 'fancy night out' over the holidays…said it was our new tradition! 🙂
mmm this sounds so good! I might give it a try with blackberry preserves too. And yes the jar is what makes it!!!
blackberry!!!?? yummmmmmmm
That sounds delish! You totally should try making popovers. They sound fancy and like they would be intimidating, but I promise they are crazy easy. I just use my muffin pan and they turn out just fine.
Ok, maybe I'll try…but it seems like a disaster waiting to happen!
wowzah this looks so good! i'd love a blackberry version too xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Yum!
Sounds so yummy Cassie! Poor kiddo…I remember the pics of her so sick. It can take quite awhile to recover from something like that!!
This sounds delicious!
Oh yum! This sounds delicious! Definitely going to have to try!
Poor little one! Maybe she could pick the new tradition? Different "fancy" restaurant?
I pinned this. This looks so yummy!
Sounds amazing! I am going to pin this as a must try! Amazing. Kari
Yummy! These would be such great gifts, too!
What a great idea!! Looks so delicious!
You can totally make popovers! They are super easy (and I don't love baking/cooking). It is our tradition to eat at that same department store restaurant – my grandmother started taking me there when I was a little girl – and you got the strawberry butter recipe right on! I asked our waitress once (years ago!) what it was and it is just that simple. I have a great popover recipe if you want it!
My grandmother took me as a little girl too!! Such sweet memories! xo
I can't believe that was Thanksgiving and she's just now feeling better!? 🙁 You just gave me an idea to try and make strawberry cream cheese!
I love strawberry jam but I didn't realize it was so easy to make. I can't wait to try this!
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This sounds delicious! I am going to have to make this as a valentine's brunch option! And such a cute jar! Thanks for sharing 🙂