- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
 - 1/2 cup 1/2-inch pieces fresh chives
 - freshly ground black pepper to taste
 - 3 pounds small new potatoes (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter), scrubbed
 
- In a large bowl, combine butter, chives, pepper, and salt to taste.
 - If desired, with a channel knife, cut two intersecting strips around middle of each potato.
 - In a large saucepan, combine potatoes with salted water to cover by 1 inch and simmer until just tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain potatoes in a colander and add to butter mixture, tossing to combine.
 - Serve potatoes warm.