What is the difference between a herbed butter and a drawn butter?

The distinction between herbed butter and drawn butter is rooted in their composition and intended use. Herbed butter, also known as compound butter, is a blend of softened butter mixed with various herbs, spices, or flavorings. This makes it versatile for enhancing the taste of dishes, whether served cold on bread and seafood or used to finish cooked meats and vegetables.

In contrast, drawn butter refers to butter that has been gently melted to separate the milk solids from the fat, resulting in a clear liquid. It is typically used as a dipping sauce, especially for seafood, or to enrich dishes without any additional flavors or ingredients.

The other options incorrectly describe the properties of herbed and drawn butters. For example, herbed butter is not limited to only being made with oil or used strictly for baking purposes; similarly, drawn butter is not made with margarine, nor is it only served hot. Understanding these differences helps in culinary applications where the right butter serves to enhance flavors or provide the desired texture in a dish.