The holidays are upon us, which means that butter is going to become an even more important refrigerator staple for upcoming feasts. 

Butter not only adds incredible flavor to everything it touches, but it also has special properties that are key to the integrity of many classic sweet and savory dishes. It is responsible for the texture and quality of many of your favorite dishes including all of the holiday favorites. Monica Nyman with the St. Louis District Dairy Council tells us what butter is made of and the differences between some of the kinds of butter you'll find at the grocery store.

Many believe butter to be an unhealthy food and while it is in the 'fat' food group, Nyman, who is a certified nutritionist, says she wouldn't classify it as unhealthy. She explains there are two kinds of fats and one is good and one is not.

Butter is a staple to the savoriness of so many holiday foods like pies and cookies and sauces. Nyman explains it can add lots of smooth textures and various flavors to whatever you're cooking.

Get more nutritional information and recipes through the St. Louis District Dairy Council by visiting stldairycouncil.org or finding them on social media.