1 cup (1/2-lb.) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh chives
Instructions
Blanch the basil in boiling salted water just until wilted, about 10 seconds, then drain and transfer to ice water. Drain again and squeeze dry. Chop roughly. Puree the basil, basil oil, ascorbic acid, and salt in a food processor. If the mixture is too dry to puree, add just enough water to ease the process. Add the butter, in tablespoon-size pieces, and puree until smooth and well blended. Taste and add more salt if desired. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the chives by hand. Refrigerate until firm enough to shape into a log.
Put an 18-inch sheet of aluminum foil on your work surface. Spoon the butter down the center of the sheet into a log about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Enclose in foil and twist the ends to make a sealed log, like a Tootsie Roll. Refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 6 months.