Date Night Chimichurri & Herb Compound Butter

Whether you are cooking a Walden Reserve steak, chicken, chops, or even a breakfast in bed, these additions to your meal take minimal time and pack maximum flavor! These are the perfect pairings for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or a Saturday night date night all without having to make a reservation. Why stress about a restaurant when you can bring the restaurant home? These are some of my go-to’s to take any meal to the next level. They don’t take too much work but pack a punch.

Fernando’s Chimichurri:

This is a staple for our team member Amy, inspired by extended family in Argentina. It’s the perfect compliment to steak, veggies, chicken, (heck you can even put in on roasted potatoes or morning eggs!) “It is such a versatile recipe. Bring a delicious taste of Argentina to any of your dishes.” Perfect to make ahead and keep in the fridge for date night!

Serves: 8
Time: 10 Minutes Prep, 10 Minutes Resting (Can and Maybe Should Leave Overnight)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup densely packed parsley, stems removed (about 1 bunch) (fresh only, dried herbs just don’t work the same!)
• 1 small red chili pepper, seeds removed for less spice (you can adjust as needed or swap for chili flakes in a pinch)
• 4 -6 garlic cloves, minced (this chimichurri turns out quite garlicky. You can reduce the garlic if you’d prefer a less garlicky version.)
• 2 tsp dried oregano (can use fresh if you prefer)
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Coarse Kosher Salt (if you are using table salt start with less)
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper

Instructions:

1. Finely chop the parsley. Spend extra time here to make sure it is very small. Mince your red peppers. Wear gloves to protect your fingers if you feel the need to! Add the ingredients together into a bowl and mix to combine. 
2. Allow the chimichurri to rest for 2 hours to let the flavors blend together.

Amy’s Tips:

• Do not use a food processor for this recipe. Take the time to chop up your herbs and flavorings by hand. It enhances the texture of the chimichurri so much. 
• The flavors of this recipe will get more potent overnight (notably the garlic)!

Herb Compound Butter:

Honestly, there is nothing like making your own herb butter! You can add whatever you want and it is a simple way to add flavor and keep things juicy. And on top of all that it makes a meal look extra fancy, perfect for an at-home date night!

Serves: 6 – 8
Time:  5 Minutes Prep, 1 Hour Rest (If Desired)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of chopped herbs (We love to use chive, rosemary, parsley, basil, whatever herbs you have on hand)
• 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Set out a stick of butter to soften
2. Chop herbs and spices finely
3. Add the herbs and spices to the butter
4. Add salt to taste, mixing well. To save time mixing, one of the easiest ways is to use a hand mixer.
5. Place in the fridge for an hour to harden, if desired, or use immediately.

Amy’s Tips:

• Place the herbed butter mixture in the center of a piece of wax paper, parchment paper, or plastic wrap. Roll up to form a log of butter and herbs. 
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can totally use dried instead, I love adding our spice blends!)
• If you want to keep it longer, place it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 6 months. (I highly recommend writing the date down on the container if you are freezing)