A spoonful of this classic compound butter, known as maître d'hôtel butter, makes an instant sauce for anything from grilled steak to sautéed chicken to steamed vegetables. It can also be stirred into soups and stews.

Ingredients

　　1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened

　　1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

　　2 tablespoons minced shallot

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 teaspoon black pepper

　　Purée all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.