lazy michigan summer

everyone said we were crazy for catering our own wedding- but then everyone who attended remarked that the food was fabulous. we kept the food simple and sourced mainly from local ann arbor businesses. now we can share some michigan summer recipes that you can make at home for any amount of people and not stress out too much about cost or time.

compound butter
a. let a pound or so of butter come to room temperature (we used calder dairy)
b. while that is happening prepare about a 1/2 cup of whatever it is you want to add to it
suggestions: finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, lemon balm, mint, tarragon, parsley, chives, basil, lavender or whatever is your fancy; minced bacon & roasted shallot; citrus zest, blue cheese
c. mix in by hand or with a electric mixer or on low
d. spoon out onto a piece of waxed paper (waxy side up) in a log shape about 1-2 in. diameter
e. roll completely in wax paper and twist or crease the edges
f. store in plastic wrap or bag in freezer for future use on bread, meat, fish, veggies or pasta