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Jam Butter board with slices of bread, crackers, and figs

Mrs. Ruth's Jam Butter Board

A butter board is already a showstopper. A jam butter board is something else entirely. Softened butter spread across a wooden board, swirled with Mrs. Ruth's Special Reserve Raspberry Jam and Balsamic Fig Jam, finished with flaky salt, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs — it's sweet, savory, rich, and bright all at once. The fat from the butter balances the jam's acidity into something genuinely luxurious. Set it out with warm bread and crackers and watch it disappear.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: None | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons Mrs. Ruth's Special Reserve Raspberry Jam
  • 3 tablespoons Mrs. Ruth's Balsamic Fig Jam
  • Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
  • ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
  • Warm crusty bread, sliced baguette, or assorted crackers, for serving

Directions

  1. Let butter sit at room temperature until very soft and spreadable, about 30–45 minutes.
  2. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the softened butter across a wooden board or large plate in an even, rustic layer.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the Raspberry Jam and Balsamic Fig Jam over the butter in alternating dollops.
  4. Use a skewer or toothpick to gently swirl the jams into the butter — a few passes is enough. Don't over-swirl.
  5. Scatter toasted nuts over the top, then finish with a generous pinch of flaky salt and fresh herb sprigs.
  6. Serve immediately with warm bread or crackers alongside.

Tips & Notes

  • Butter temperature is everything: The butter needs to be genuinely soft — not melted, not cold. It should spread like frosting. Pull it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes ahead.
  • Don't over-swirl: Two or three passes with a skewer creates beautiful ribbons. More than that and the colors muddy together.
  • Mix up the jams: Mrs. Ruth's Winterberry Jam + Appley Dappley Jam is a great fall variation. Balsamic Strawberry + Peach Ginger Chutney works beautifully in summer.
  • Add more toppings: Honey drizzle, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, or thinly sliced prosciutto all work well on the savory side.
  • Make it ahead: Spread the butter and refrigerate up to 4 hours ahead. Add jams, nuts, salt, and herbs just before serving.

Flavor Pairings We Love

  • Special Reserve Raspberry Jam → butter, brie, dark chocolate, almond, whipped cream
  • Balsamic Fig Jam → butter, walnut, rosemary, sharp cheddar, prosciutto, honey
  • Winterberry Jam → butter, cream cheese, pecan, thyme, cornbread
Overhead flat lay of a glass of sparkling water with ruby red Mrs. Ruth's Strawberry Jam ice cubes melting into the drink, garnished with mint and edible flowers, with a jar of Simply Strawberry Jam and lemon slice alongside on white linen Previous

Mrs. Ruth's Jam Ice Cubes

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